The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to trade for a veteran left tackle last season appears even more calculated now that he has departed in free agency. When Pro Bowl tackle Christian Darrisaw suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8, the Vikings quickly made a move, sending conditional 2026 fourth- and seventh-round picks to the Jacksonville Jaguars to secure a top-tier replacement. The acquisition proved invaluable, as he started the final 10 games of the season and played a crucial role in helping Minnesota turn a promising 6-2 start into a stellar 14-3 finish, despite an early exit from the playoffs. However, while the trade was a short-term success, he has now moved on, signing a one-year, $14.5 million contract with the Houston Texans, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz.
With free agency nearing its conclusion, Robinson’s departure has further solidified the Vikings’ standing in the 2026 compensatory pick formula. Minnesota is now in line to receive a third-round compensatory pick for the loss of quarterback Sam Darnold, in addition to a fourth- or fifth-round selection, depending on Daniel Jones’ snap count with the Indianapolis Colts.
FN became the fifth qualifying free agent to leave the Vikings this offseason, effectively canceling out the signing of Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly from the Colts. If Minnesota refrains from adding another qualifying free agent, they will have essentially “rented” Robinson for 10 crucial games while regaining the draft capital they spent to acquire him. Under general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, the Vikings have continued to operate with a calculated approach to roster building, making full use of the compensatory pick formula—a strategy that has proven highly effective.
Minnesota’s impressive 14-win season was unexpected, considering their unproven defense and Sam Darnold’s history of inconsistency. However, after exceeding expectations, the Vikings now find themselves in a prime position to maximize J.J. McCarthy’s rookie contract window. Stockpiling extra draft picks will further enhance their ability to reinforce the roster and remain competitive in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, Christian Darrisaw is confident he will be fully recovered by the start of next season, but as a precaution, Minnesota has signed veteran swing tackle Justin Skule to provide depth in case he isn’t ready in time.
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