He Minnesota Vikings pulled off a shocking trade Tuesday night for a new starting left tackle.

It was no big surprise that the team coveted a replacement for injured star Christian Darrisaw before the NFL trade deadline. It is surprising that the Vikings were able to achieve even though he only has three 2025 draft picks left.

Therefore, Minnesota’s decision to jacksonville jaguars Tackle Cam Robinson was traded using draft compensation in 2026. Despite that clear lack of return value, because there are still two years left, the Vikings were able to reach a deal, landing Robinson. for a conditional fifth round pick that could rise to a fourth round depending on playing time.

Legitimate left tackles are almost never available at the NFL trade deadline. The premium for that position is too high league-wide. That the Vikings were able to get a deal done, and do it on their terms, feels like an obvious win for Minnesota as it prepares to make a run in a loaded NFC North and beyond this season.

For Jacksonville, the move still makes sense despite the dull return. Robinson was making $16.25 million per season and his contract expires in 2024. If Robinson was in Jacksonville’s long-term plans, they would have already extended him. Basically, the Jags are moving on from the player now and guaranteeing a return, rather than letting him walk as a free agent in 2025. (They also believe they will be active in free agency next year, making a possible compensatory pick for Robinson did not have a warranty). they held him.)

NFL analysts have weighed in on the trade over the past 24 hours. Here’s how experts rate Minnesota’s move for Robinson:

Trade Ratings: Minnesota Vikings

Dajani: “The Vikings should be applauded for quickly finding a replacement for Darrisaw instead of relying on their reserves. Minnesota started the season 5-0 before losing two in a row, and it’s clear that coach Kevin O’Connell has high expectations for this team. For this team to be the best it can be, the quarterback Sam Darnold has to stay upright. Robinson is not the same player as Darrisaw, but he is a legitimate starter at left tackle. His acquisition answers a big question the Vikings had after Thursday night’s unfortunate injury. As for compensation, it’s possible, if not likely, that Robinson will be gone by the time 2026 rolls around. NFL Draft It is advancing, but this is a play for 2024.”

Davis: “They are sending a strong signal to their locker room that this season – once perceived as a transition year from QB Kirk Cousins ​​to journeyman St. Darnold and first-round pick JJ McCarthy – is a priority. Cousins ​​is in Atlanta and McCarthy is on injured reserve, but Darnold has revived his career with the help of a solid supporting cast on offense and a relentless defense playing to its full potential under coordinator Brian Flores. At Robinson, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah provides coach Kevin O’Connell and a seventh-ranked scoring attack with a solid replacement for Darrisaw, but only gives up a mid-round pick two years from now and takes on the rest of the salary. Robinson’s $16.3 million base before. returns to the market in 2025.”

rogue: “The Vikings have surprised the NFL world with their 5-0 start to the season, but they have the likes of the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers as tough competition in the NFC North. Losing Darrisaw was tough for the Vikings and would have hurt their chances. Getting Robinson, who is not the same caliber as Darrisaw, is a win for Minnesota.”

Trade Ratings: Jacksonville Jaguars

Dajani: “It’s no surprise that Robinson is leaving Jacksonville, especially after not playing last weekend. He was in the final year of his contract, plus the Jaguars already parted ways with a defensive lineman in Roy Robertson-Harrisand is struggling at 2-6. Jacksonville acquired a fifth- or fourth-round pick for a player with an expiring contract, and already has someone ready to take Little’s place on the offensive line. “It’s not a bad deal at all.”

Davis: “The Jags wouldn’t characterize it as such, but it’s like a towel toss from the corner of the ring by a 2-6 team that also saw its top three receivers injured on Sunday. Provides a chance to see more of Walker Little, a second-round pick in 2021, and/or try out 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison on the left side to see if he’s more comfortable as QB Trevor’s blindside guard. Lawrence. Robinson, who was franchised twice by Jacksonville before earning a modest extension, is scheduled to be a free agent in 2025, so the prospect of potentially landing a fourth-rounder for a mid-season rental is a pretty good return on investment. for the Jacksonville main office. .”

rogue: “The Jaguars get much-needed draft capital to land the additional talent they desperately need.”