Aside from the obvious uncertainty at quarterback, the Minnesota Vikings’ most pressing concern heading into the 2025 season lies at cornerback.
While they re-signed Byron Murphy Jr. and added Isaiah Rodgers — who logged the fourth-most snaps among Philadelphia’s cornerbacks during their 2024 Super Bowl run — the position group still appears to be a potential weakness.
With Jalen Ramsey likely on his way out of Miami, a move to Minnesota could be mutually beneficial.
If rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy proves capable, the Vikings may only be one elite outside corner away from emerging as a legitimate NFC contender.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are under financial strain after extending both Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill last offseason — deals that will count for nearly $70 million against the 2025 salary cap and over $105 million in 2026.
Will Ragatz of Vikings on SI, as relayed by Joe Nelson, described Minnesota as a “great fit” for the three-time All-Pro and Super Bowl LVI champion.
Ragatz wrote, “Targeting someone like Ramsey is absolutely worth considering given where the Vikings stand. They’re clearly in win-now mode, benefiting from McCarthy’s rookie contract, and aside from some quarterback uncertainty, they don’t have many roster holes.”
“If they can patch up that final weakness with a seven-time Pro Bowler who’s still playing at a high level, it’s a move worth exploring.”
Could Mekhi Blackmon Be Part of the Deal?
While a future draft pick would be the standard trade return for a player like Ramsey, Miami’s depth concerns at cornerback may push them to seek a player in return — particularly one who can contribute immediately rather than a rookie a year from now.
The Vikings are heading into 2025 without Stephon Gilmore or Shaq Griffin, leaving Rodgers and 2023 third-round pick Mekhi Blackmon as projected starters on the outside.
Blackmon impressed as a rookie in 2023, earning a 71.7 coverage grade from PFF and making their All-Rookie team. However, an ACL injury in January 2024 sidelined him for the entire following season.
Normally, trading a young, promising player still on his rookie deal for a 30-year-old, high-cost veteran would seem questionable. But given Blackmon’s injury and limited experience — he started just three games and played 435 defensive snaps — there’s a degree of uncertainty around his long-term value.
Though Blackmon may offer more years of potential, Ramsey is a proven, high-performing veteran who could immediately raise the Vikings’ defense into top-tier territory. With only three seasons before McCarthy’s potentially expensive fifth-year option kicks in, Minnesota may need to act boldly in their Super Bowl pursuit.
Proposed Trade:
- Vikings receive: Jalen Ramsey
- Dolphins receive: Mekhi Blackmon