The Minnesota Vikings‘ massive investment in the offensive front tasked with protecting J.J. McCarthy passed a significant test entering training camp.
In a pre-camp news conference, head coach Kevin O’Connell commended left tackle Christian Darrisaw and newly acquired right guard Will Fries for the work they put in this offseason, which resulted in neither starter landing on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list entering camp on July 22.
“I want to highlight the work they put in this summer, to put themselves in a position to be out on the grass practicing,” O’Connell said. “We are very pleased with where those guys are at and their timelines to fully returning to daily participation. We have great plans on the calendar for those guys and cannot wait to see that come to fruition.”
Darrisaw, Fries Combine as the Top 2 Investments to Vikings O-Line
GettyChristian Darrisaw #71 of the Minnesota Vikings.
Signing Fries to a five-year, $88 million contract in March, the Vikings invested in the potential the former Indianapolis Colts guard flashed as a former seventh-round pick.
Fries garnered big money in free agency after putting together a Pro Bowl-caliber stretch of play to begin the season before suffering a season-ending tibia injury in Week 6 of last season. He was ranked the No. 2 free-agent guard on the market entering the 2025 offseason behind only Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Trey Smith, who signed a record-setting four-year, $94 million deal this month.
Darrisaw signed a four-year deal worth up to $113 million last summer after emerging as one of the league’s most promising left tackles. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 7, which has put his availability to begin the season into question.
The two linemen combine for up to $201 million of investment poured into the offensive line as McCarthy takes the reins of the offense. They figure to be part of the team’s long-term vision, but must continue to progress this summer.
Darrisaw is far more proven, while Fries has fewer guarantees in his deal.
Vikings Hedged Bet on Will Fries by Signing Colts G Ryan Kelly
GettyWill Fries was a steady force up front with the Colts.
On the surface, Fries landed a massive deal that will pay him $17.5 million a season. However, with only $34 million guaranteed, all in the first two years, the Vikings have an out if Fries does not live up to his potential.
In 2027, the Vikings could cut Fries before the third day of the league year and not pay a dime.
Fries is essentially on a two-year, prove-it deal with the Vikings, who also signed his center from Indianapolis, Ryan Kelly, a four-time Pro Bowler, to a two-year, $18 million deal.
With the addition of first-round guard Donovan Jackson out of Ohio State, the Vikings replaced all three starting interior line spots this offseason — a clear objective set out by O’Connell after the team’s playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams that saw Sam Darnold sacked a playoff-record nine times.
“There can be a thousand excuses made, but, for me, it’s the foundation of the interior of the pocket that we’re going to have to take a long look at,” O’Connell said after the loss, per The Minnesota Star Tribune.
