Vikings’ New $22 Million Starter Was Benched Days Before Trade: What Minnesota Sees in Cam Robinson

The Minnesota Vikings made a decisive move to bolster their offensive line after left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s season-ending knee injury. In a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 29, the Vikings acquired veteran left tackle Cam Robinson, who steps into a crucial role for a contending team. However, Robinson’s journey to Minnesota was unexpected, as he had been benched by Jacksonville just days before the trade, signaling a shift in roles for both him and the Jaguars.

Cam Robinson’s Last-Minute Bench and the Jaguars’ Future

Heading into Week 8, Robinson had just returned from concussion protocol but was benched in favor of Walker Little. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson attributed this decision to Little’s readiness, as highlighted by Jaguars center Mitch Morse, who praised Little’s professionalism and composure stepping in during Week 7. Jacksonville’s decision to start Little while trading Robinson suggests a commitment to develop young talent, especially with a disappointing 2-6 record.

This choice paved the way for Robinson’s exit, allowing the Jaguars to part with a large contract. Robinson’s remaining salary for the season is nearly $10 million of his $21.9 million cap hit, a sum Jacksonville has agreed to help cover, making the deal affordable for Minnesota.

Cam Robinson is headed to the Minnesota in a trade with the Jaguars…

What will this addition mean for the @Vikings offense? 👀 pic.twitter.com/BKvwMuYWoW

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) October 29, 2024

What Cam Robinson Brings to the Vikings

Robinson, drafted 34th overall in 2017, has been a steady presence in pass protection. Ranked 16th among tackles in pass-blocking by Pro Football Focus (PFF) for tackles with at least 500 snaps last season, Robinson has consistently earned pass-protection grades above 70.0 since 2021, with a solid 72.2 grade this season. His stature—6-foot-6 and 335 pounds—helps him counter even the league’s most powerful rushers, and his quick feet make him effective at reaching the second level, an asset that fits well within the Vikings’ offensive scheme.

Offensive Line Shake-Up and the Impact on the Vikings’ Season

Minnesota’s options to replace Darrisaw included shifting left guard Blake Brandel to tackle, but Robinson’s addition provides an experienced replacement with a proven record in pass protection. However, the focus now shifts to the right side of the line, where right guard Ed Ingram has struggled, allowing 20 pressures this season—fourth among guards. Veteran Dalton Risner, who recently returned from injured reserve, could be positioned as a replacement if Ingram’s struggles continue.

Risner has shown his adaptability in the past, taking over for Ezra Cleveland after an injury last season and solidifying his role, which eventually led to Cleveland’s trade to Jacksonville. Should Ingram’s performance continue to falter, a similar outcome could unfold, with Risner providing a stable interior presence to complement Robinson’s experience on the outside.

Watching some Cam Robinson tape tonight and I came away feeling better about the trade than I did initially

One thing that stood out to me is Robinson's movement skills. He has really good feet and can climb to the second level easily pic.twitter.com/JHRKRQa8T5

— Tyler Forness (@TheRealForno) October 30, 2024

A Mutually Beneficial Trade as Teams Head in Different Directions

The trade for Robinson, which includes a conditional seventh-round pick in 2026 in exchange for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick, represents both the Vikings’ commitment to winning and the Jaguars’ pivot to youth and cap relief. With Jacksonville likely building toward the future, Little now has the chance to establish himself as a long-term starter, while Robinson gets a shot at playoff contention with the 5-2 Vikings.

The Vikings’ offensive line has become even more vital with Darnold under center, making Robinson’s presence timely as Minnesota enters the season’s second half. For Minnesota, this move is as much about stabilizing the offense as it is about signaling they’re all in on a postseason push. The Vikings’ willingness to invest in Robinson illustrates their commitment to contending this year and giving Darnold the protection he needs to keep Minnesota’s offense on track.