After drafting rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to be the future face of the franchise down the road, the Vikings made sure the man protecting his blindside won’t be going anywhere.

On the eve of training camp at TCO Performance Center in Egan, the Vikings announced on Tuesday evening that they have agreed to a contract extension with star left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The massive deal is reportedly worth up to $113 million with $77 million guaranteed.

This is the latest contract extension the Vikings have dished out after signing star receiver Justin Jefferson to a historic 4-year, $140 million deal in the spring.

This was an easy decision at its core as Darrisaw, 25, has developed into an elite player at his position since being selected with the No. 23 pick in 2021 NFL Draft. He has started 39 games for the Vikings in his career and has effortlessly showcased his prowess in both passing blocking and run blocking.

Though his dominance often flies under the radar despite his 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame, according to Pro Football Focus, Darrisaw had a pass block grade of 85.3 last season. That was the third highest grade among all offensive linemen who played at least 50 percent of offensive snaps last season.

The fact that Darrisaw’s contract extension got done so early in the process speaks to how much the Vikings value him as a foundational piece of the puzzle. He will bookend the offensive line opposite star right tackle Brian O’Neill for the foreseeable future.

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