The Minnesota Vikings are a team in transition, that is for certain.

Kirk Cousins, a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, has joined the Atlanta Falcons, and head coach Kevin O’Connell must rely on journeyman Sam Darnold to lead an offense with plenty of weapons.

The offensive line, led by tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, is a strong point of protection.

Now, management is focused on ensuring continuity down the line by securing one of these essential parts for the distant future.

Charley Waters of The Purple Persuasion stated that Minnesota is eager to grant Darrisaw a large contract extension, but there is a significant caveat.

He must stay healthy.

In late April, the organization took a step toward committing to Darrisaw by activating the fifth-year option on his rookie contract.

This extended his stay in Minnesota to at least 2025.

Darrisaw was the team’s first-round pick (23rd overall) in the 2021 NFL draft after playing collegiate football at Virginia Tech.

The Vikings’ health criteria for a potentially lucrative extension is intriguing, given that he has started 39 of the 41 games he has played for the team.

Darrisaw also started all 15 games during the 2023 season.

He did miss two games late in the 2022 season due to a concussion, and he also injured his ankle and groin last year.

In addition, he missed four games during his first season due to groin and ankle problems.

But Darrisaw is a highly respected tackle, a position with significant importance in the NFL.

The Vikings certainly want to secure his services for the future, if he remains healthy.