Vikings Eye Cornerback Upgrade — Could Jalen Ramsey Be the Answer?
As the Minnesota Vikings approach the 2025 season, their biggest roster question mark — beyond the quarterback position — remains at cornerback.
Although the team retained Byron Murphy Jr. and added former Eagles and Colts CB Isaiah Rodgers (who logged the fourth-most cornerback snaps during Philly’s Super Bowl-winning 2024 campaign), the Vikings’ secondary still feels shaky. Depth and top-end talent are concerns, especially on the outside.
With Jalen Ramsey reportedly nearing the end of his time in Miami, a trade to Minnesota could make perfect sense for both sides.
Ramsey to the Vikings? A Logical Fit
If rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy proves ready to contribute right away, the Vikings could be just one elite outside cornerback away from emerging as a legitimate NFC contender.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are feeling the financial squeeze after inking Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill to massive long-term deals last offseason — deals that will account for nearly $70 million of their cap space in 2025 and an eye-watering $105+ million in 2026. Offloading Ramsey could offer much-needed relief.
Sports Illustrated’s Will Ragatz, via Joe Nelson, named Minnesota a “great fit” for the three-time All-Pro and 2021 Super Bowl champion:
“The idea of going after a guy like Ramsey is absolutely an interesting one, given the position the Vikings find themselves in,” said Ragatz. “They’re in win-now mode with a rookie quarterback contract and only one semi-obvious weakness on the entire roster — QB uncertainty aside.”
“If there’s a chance to address that weakness by going out and getting a seven-time Pro Bowler who is still playing at a very high level, it feels like something they have to at least consider.”
Could Mekhi Blackmon Be Trade Bait?
While Miami would likely prefer a draft pick in exchange for Ramsey, they’re also in dire need of help at cornerback — especially if Ramsey departs. Instead of a 2026 pick they’d have to wait on, the Dolphins might push for a young player in return.
Enter Mekhi Blackmon.
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The 2023 third-round pick had a strong rookie season, earning a 71.7 PFF coverage grade and a spot on their All-Rookie Team. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in January 2024 and missed the following season, creating uncertainty about his durability and long-term outlook.
Under normal circumstances, trading a young, ascending cornerback on a cheap rookie deal for an aging, high-priced veteran would seem unwise. But given Blackmon’s injury history and limited sample size (just three starts and 435 defensive snaps), there’s risk involved. Ramsey, on the other hand, is a known quantity — even at age 30, he continues to perform at a high level.
Blackmon might offer more years, but Ramsey offers a higher ceiling right now — and in a narrow Super Bowl window with McCarthy on his rookie contract, the Vikings may decide it’s worth going all in.
Adding Ramsey could turn Minnesota’s defense into a top-five unit and make them a serious force in the NFC playoff picture. With time ticking, the Vikings have to decide: play the long game, or go for broke?
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