3 left tackles coming off surgeries 'might make sense' for the Vikings

If the Vikings want to look outside for a starting left tackle, there are three solid ones in free agency. But all three are coming off of surgeries.

Nov 19, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle D.J. Humphries (74) smells smelling salts as he and the Houston Texans waits for a call in the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has floated three left tackles the Vikings could target to replace Christian Darrisaw, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Minnesota's 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Thursday.

Breer acknowledges what everyone in Minnesota hopes — that there's no long-term concern about Darrisaw at left tackle — while naming D.J. Humphries, David Bakhtiari and Charles Leno Jr. as left tackles who "might make sense" for the Vikings to go after.

"They could also look at moving right tackle Brian O’Neill, the bedrock of the line, to left tackle or shifting Blake Brandel from left guard to tackle," Breer added.

Bakhtiari hasn't played this season and remains a free agent. He had season-ending surgery for a torn ACL late in the 2020 season and he was limited significant during the 2021 season. He was dominant in 11 games in 2022 before another season-ending surgery related his his earlier knee injury ended his 2023 campaign after just one game.

Related: David Bakhtiari is the perfect Vikings replacement for Christian Darrisaw

Humphries, 30, has nine years of NFL experience with the Cardinals and like Bakhtiari, he hasn't played in 2024 after undergoing ACL surgery for an injury that he suffered in Week 17 of last season. Humphries has 98 career starts at left tackle and one Pro Bowl appearance. He recently worked out for the New York Giants.

Related: Jaguars' Cam Robinson might be Vikings' ideal Darrisaw replacement

Leno Jr. is also a free agent after being released by the Commanders in March following hip surgery. He told the Idaho Statesman in September that he's just waiting for the right call to come in. The 32-year-old has 10 years of experience, seven with the Bears and three with the Commanders. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.