Minnesota Vikings Rookie Dallas Turner Gains Valuable Experience from 'Money Man' Christian Darrisaw

Despite Christian Darrisaw having a year left on his rookie contract, the Minnesota Vikings ensured their star left tackle remains with the team by signing him to a four-year, $104 million contract extension at the start of training camp.

This extension guarantees that Darrisaw will be a mentor to outside linebacker Dallas Turner throughout his initial NFL contract.

"He’s tough, no doubt," Turner commented on Darrisaw. "C.D. is definitely challenging. Facing him daily in practice means the actual games will feel easier.

"Money Man, that’s him for sure. His work ethic justifies every penny of that contract. He locks me up in practice consistently.

"Having never encountered a tackle of his caliber, I know he’ll make me better each day."

The Vikings selected Turner with the 17th pick in the NFL Draft on April 25, after an unexpected early run on offensive players pushed him down the draft board. To secure Turner from Alabama, Minnesota traded their 23rd and 167th picks this year, along with next year’s third- and fourth-round picks, to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"He’ll be fine," Darrisaw told Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune regarding Turner. "He’s got the talent and he’s learning. I’m here to help however I can."

The Vikings are preparing Turner for his first NFL season by placing him in various pass-rush positions.

"They threw a lot at me," Turner said, "but I managed well, sticking to my playbook and staying true to myself.

"It’s different from college, for sure. The NFL workload is unique compared to Alabama. There, it was intense daily. Here, you focus on learning and refining techniques, with periods to slow down and speed up when necessary."

As Minnesota's preseason approaches, starting with a game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday, Turner is ready to showcase his growth. The Vikings will kick off their regular season on September 8 against the New York Giants.