Donovan Jackson Signing Rounds Out MN Vikings Rookie Contracts

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Donovan Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Earlier this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings shored up the offensive and defensive lines through free agency, while adding depth elsewhere. In the NFL Draft, an event they entered with four picks and finished with five, Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doubled down again on the trenches, drafting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson with the No. 24 overall pick in the first round.

At the start of the offseason, both the Vikings head coach and their general manager promised to fix the interior of both lines. Three months later, they delivered in a manner that probably went above and beyond what would have been deemed a success.

Minnesota Vikings ink Donovan Jackson to deal

But on Thursday evening, right after the Vikings 2025 schedule officially released, the Minnesota Vikings officially signed the final piece of the offensive side of their revamped trenches. Jackson was the final of Minnesota’s five draft picks to sign their rookie deals.

Although the exact terms of Jackson’s contract were not immediately made public, rookie contracts are mostly pre-set by the NFL. Spotrac has Donovan Jackson’s new deal worth $17.2 million, with the signing bonus checking in just above $9.1 million.

All first round rookie contracts are worth four years, with a fifth year team option. Starting as soon as training camp, Jackson is expected to take over as the starting left guard, next to Christian Darrisaw, and in place of last year’s LG starter, Blake Brandel. We’ll see if that’s how things wind up shaking out, in reality.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Sign Two More Rookies

The selection of Jackson completes an interior line overhaul for the Vikings. Jackson is joined by center Ryan Kelly, and right guard Will Fries. Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill are cemented bookends and the line as a whole would give J.J. McCarthy a great launching point.

Don’t overlook the other MN Vikings rookies

Beyond just Jackson, the Minnesota Vikings draft class should have legitimate contributors. Third round wide receiver Tai Felton is a legitimate option to overtake Jalen Nailor. The Maryland standout will get run early if there’s a suspension for Jordan Addison, and he may not give the reps back.

Plenty of excitement has been shared about defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, and he could factor in at multiple positions in Brian Flores’ front. Kobe King brings linebacker depth alongside Ivan Pace Jr. and Blake Cashman. Tight end Gavin Bartholomew should have an inside track to replace Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse.

Related: Official 2025 Minnesota Vikings Schedule + Release Video

While the Minnesota Vikings rookie class wasn’t full of quantity, it appears that Adofo-Mensah has hit on the quality aspect. A highly-praised class of 20 undrafted free agents are also worthy of keeping an eye on. If Minnesota is going to compete in the year ahead, they’ll need contributions from all over their roster, young and old.

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