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.
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.”
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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