Vikings' One Move Could Shock the NFL
Is it prudent? Perhaps not. Is it daring? Absolutely.
The Vikings could send shockwaves through the NFL with one bold move. Prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, reliable reports surfaced suggesting that cornerback Jalen Ramsey might be available for trade. However, negotiations have not yet materialized into an agreement. Could the Vikings take a risk and bring the All-Pro and Super Bowl winner to Minneapolis?
How The Vikings Could Make the NFL Take Them Seriously
The crucial aspect is that this one action shouldn't be perceived in isolation. Instead, it should be considered in conjunction with previous events.
Minnesota has already made significant investments to strengthen key areas of their team. The defensive line now includes reinforcements with players like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, while the offensive line benefits from additions such as Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Donovan Jackson. Notable veterans kept include Byron Murphy Jr., Aaron Jones, Harrison Smith, and Theo Jackson. To enhance their rushing attack, they've added Jordan Mason, who could provide a boost. Additionally, Isaiah Rodgers is emerging as a promising second cornerback option. Under-the-radar signings like Justin Skule, Rondale Moore, Jeff Okudah, and Eric Wilson have sparked hope that the squad’s depth will allow them to navigate through the challenges of an NFL campaign successfully.
Introducing Jalen Ramsey could eliminate doubts regarding the defense's capability to excel. Suddenly, under Brian Flores' leadership, the unit might appear quite intimidating just one year after ranking fifth in the league for fewest points conceded.
Proceed with revisiting your decision. The NFL Network’ As Ian Rapoport mentioned regarding Mr. Ramsey The Dolphins along with cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has been selected for the Pro Bowl seven times, are both prepared to look into potential trades. It may not come as a shock if he ends up playing somewhere else in 2025," according to my sources alongside @TomPelissero. Given that Miami owes him $25.1 million which is fully guaranteed this year, they might go their separate ways.
The update came on April 15th, which seems like ages past.
On Over the Cap Jason Fitzgerald — who specializes in NFL financial matters — broke down the details of how the monetary aspects would play out in case of a trade. For our consideration, let’s examine what happens to the acquiring team’s salary cap.
For a squad obtaining Ramsey, they'd face an almost certain commitment of $21 million in 2025, placing him as the seventh-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL," Fitzgerald states. "They could either absorb the entire cap hit this year or opt for the arrangement similar to what was agreed upon with the Dolphins, resulting in a $5.826 million cap impact for the current season. In 2026, Ramsey’s $21 million salary includes a $5 million injury guarantee; should he remain on the roster until the third day of the following league year, an additional $2 million roster bonus will make his total compensation fully guaranteed. For 2027, his salary stands at an unguaranteed $21.7 million, and for 2028, it jumps up to $24 million.
Jalen Ramsey, who will turn 31 during the 2025 season, could fill in as a key player. any remaining uncertainties regarding the Brian Flores defense .
At the pinnacle position, we have impressive dimensions with a height of 6'1" and a weight of 208 pounds. Both Jeff Okudah and Dwight Mcgregor provide comparable measurements; however, their credentials do not match those of the Dolphins player. Ever since being selected fifth overall in the 2016 draft, Jalen Ramsey has achieved significant milestones including winning a Super Bowl, earning first-team All-Pro honors thrice, making the Pro Bowl seven occasions, and coming close to claiming Defensive Rookie of the Year accolades.
What’s even more encouraging is that Ramsey has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his career. Primarily, he has excelled playing at the cornerback position, accumulating an impressive total of 6,387 snaps on the outside. Additionally, he frequently transitions to the slot role, amassing 1,235 snaps there. His adaptability shines further through his participation in various defensive roles: he recorded 660 snaps in the box due to his substantial build; contributed 125 snaps as a free safety; and saw action for another 124 snaps from the defensive line.
Another crucial aspect? The coaching link. Ramsey claimed his Super Bowl title with the Los Angeles Rams, where he was associated with Kevin O'Connell serving as the offensive coordinator.
The primary obstacle to acquiring Jalen Ramsey lies in his salary cap implications rather than the team’s draft resources. By 2026, the Vikings will have an abundance of picks available to them, largely because of the anticipated compensatory choices they’ll receive as well as their general unwillingness to trade away future assets under General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s leadership.
Remember that the Rams asked for just a third-round pick in exchange for the cornerback a few years back, so any potential trade is not expected to be very extravagant.
Recently, Dustin Baker discussed the potential for Trading for Brown's Corner Gregg Newsome II It is also worth mentioning that Baker views considering the corner position as one of the team's uncertainties , an evaluation that’s difficult to argue against at this point.
Currently, OTC calculates that the Vikings possess over $17 million in salary cap space. Consequently, Adofo-Mensah will need to maneuver funds accordingly to accommodate a deal with Jalen Ramsey.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference , PFF , and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
K. Joudry serves as the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD He has been exclusively reporting on the Vikings since the summer of 2021. You can find him on Twitter and Bluesky. (@VikingsGazette) If you're feeling generous, consider subscribing to his Substack. The Vikings Gazette for additional awesome Viking material.
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