In a stunning turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings have acquired veteran left tackle Cam Robinson from the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to sources close to the situation. The move comes in the wake of a devastating injury to the Vikings’ star left tackle, Christian Darrisaw, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL in last Thursday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Vikings, who have gotten off to a surprising 5-2 start this season, were facing a major void on their offensive line with Darrisaw expected to miss the remainder of the year. Rather than relying on inexperienced backups, the team made the bold decision to trade for Robinson, a proven starter with 81 games of NFL experience under his belt.
According to sources, the Vikings will send the Jaguars a conditional 2026 fifth-round draft pick that could become a fourth-rounder based on Robinson’s playing time. In exchange, Minnesota receives the 29-year-old tackle along with a conditional 2026 seventh-round selection.
A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Implications
While Robinson is in the final year of his contract, set to earn $16.25 million this season, the Vikings clearly felt the need to bolster their offensive line for a potential playoff run. The team had been exploring various options, including shifting guards inside and relying on backups, but ultimately decided that acquiring a proven commodity like Robinson was the best course of action.
We’re still figuring everything out.
Vikings guard Blake Brandel on the team’s offensive line situation prior to the trade
The move raises questions about the Vikings’ long-term plans at left tackle, with Darrisaw signed through the 2026 season on a lucrative extension worth up to $113 million. However, the immediate focus appears to be on maximizing the team’s chances of success in 2024, even if it means taking on additional salary in the short term.
Robinson’s Rocky Tenure in Jacksonville
For Robinson, the trade marks the end of a tumultuous tenure in Jacksonville. The former second-round pick out of Alabama never quite lived up to his draft pedigree, struggling with injuries and inconsistency throughout his six seasons with the Jaguars.
After starting the first seven games of the 2024 season, Robinson was surprisingly benched in favor of fourth-year player Walker Little prior to Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. It marked the first time in his career that Robinson was active for a game but did not play, a clear sign that his time in Jacksonville was nearing its end.
- Missed 32 games due to injury, suspension, or benching
- Played a full season just once (2020) since being drafted in 2017
- Suspended 4 games in 2023 for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy
What This Means for the Vikings
While it remains to be seen how quickly Robinson can acclimate to the Vikings’ offensive scheme, his arrival provides a much-needed boost to a unit that has struggled in recent weeks. Minnesota ranks just 24th in the NFL in pass block win rate (56%) and has allowed 19 sacks through seven games, the ninth-highest total in the league.
We’ll be guided by getting our best five offensive linemen on the field.
Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips on the team’s approach following Darrisaw’s injury
If Robinson can recapture the form that made him a reliable starter for much of his career, he could be a critical addition for a Vikings team with aspirations of making a deep postseason run. At 5-2, Minnesota currently sits atop the NFC North and looks poised to return to the playoffs after a one-year absence.
The Road Ahead
The Vikings will look to integrate Robinson into the lineup as quickly as possible, with a crucial Sunday night matchup against the Indianapolis Colts looming in Week 9. While it’s unclear if the veteran tackle will be ready to step in immediately, his presence provides a sense of stability for an offensive line in flux.
| Week | Opponent | Robinson’s Projected Status |
| 9 | @ Colts | Questionable |
| 10 | vs Packers | Expected to Start |
| 11 | vs Jets | Starting Left Tackle |
As the Vikings navigate the second half of the season, all eyes will be on Robinson and the revamped offensive line. With a roster brimming with talent on both sides of the ball, Minnesota appears poised to contend in a crowded NFC playoff picture. If Robinson can solidify the left tackle spot and provide a reliable presence up front, the Vikings’ Super Bowl dreams may inch closer to reality.
It’s all about getting better each and every week, stacking wins, and putting ourselves in position come December and January. This move helps us do that.
A Vikings team source discussing the Robinson trade
For now, the Vikings will focus on the task at hand: preparing for a pivotal primetime clash with the Colts. With Robinson in tow and a roster hungry for success, Minnesota appears ready to write the next chapter in what has already been a memorable 2024 campaign.
