The Vikings Dodged a Bullet
The Pittsburgh Steelers won the Jalen Ramsey sweepstakes on Monday, acquiring the seven-time Pro Bowler from the Miami Dolphins.
Jalen Ramsey became a Steeler this week, not a Viking. Based on the compensation package, maybe it just worked out for the best that the Vikings didn’t partake.
Before Monday, Minnesota Vikings fans maintained hope that Ramsey might turn purple this summer, perhaps a cake-topping addition inside an illustrious offseason.
But Ramsey landed with the Steelers, and after the trade package came to light, it may have been better that way from a Vikings’ standpoint.
Steelers Acquire Jalen Ramsey, Not Vikings
A summer bombshell, Mike Tomlin’s team took the plunge for Ramsey after the star corner had been on the open market for over two months.
NBS Sports‘ Myles Simmons wrote, “Jalen Ramsey is headed to the AFC North. According to multiple reports, the Steelers have agreed to acquire Ramsey from the Dolphins. Ramsey confirmed the news with a video posted to social media. While terms of the deal were not immediately reported, Ramsey is set to receive a $1.5 million raise in 2025 to make his salary $26.6 million.”
“Ian Rapoport of NFL Media noted that the Rams were another team heavily involved in Ramsey trade talks. The Dolphins made it known that Ramsey would be available via trade earlier in the offseason and it became clear that the two parties would not reconcile.”
And just like that, a Ramsey deal for Minnesota was ruled out.
The Vikings Didn’t Trade for Jalen Ramsey. Might’ve Dodged the Bullet.
Jalen Ramsey became a Steeler this week, and Vikings fans should feel relieved.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jonnu Smith, and a Pick Swap
The cost for Ramsey? The Steelers donated All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 5th-Round draft pick for Ramsey, tight end Jonnu Smith, and a 7th-Rounder.
Of course, the price for Ramsey was unknown until Monday, but Fitzpatrick and a 5th-Rounder from Pittsburgh’s perspective is a massive amount, especially for a cornerback in his 30s.
Some, including this website, believed Ramsey could be obtained for a 3rd-Round pick or so. No cigar.
The Vikings Equivalent?
It’s difficult to determine which player assets, if any, Minnesota would’ve donated to Miami for Ramsey. But one item is clear: a would-be 3rd-Rounder short-sold the Ramsey sweepstakes.
Fitzpatrick and 5th-Round pick, at the very minimum, equates to a 2nd-Rounder from Minnesota — and probably closer to a 1st-Rounder because Fitzpatrick is so damn dynamic.
Perhaps general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah called Dolphins boss Chris Grier, heard the exorbitant asking price, and disconnected the line.
It’s a good thing he did.
And a Pay Raise!?!?!
That’s not all. Pittsburgh turned around and gave Ramsey a $1.5 million pay raise, bringing his salary to $26.6 million.
The Steelers will also foot the bill for the bulk of Ramsey’s contract, a disadvantageous development for Minnesota’s salary cap if Adofo-Mensah had pulled off the trade.
It boils down to a fringe 1st-Round trade price and $26.6 million to Ramsey this season alone. Too rich for Minnesota.
More Details on the Trade
SI.com‘s Jacob Punturi added more details to the swap, “The offseason makeover for the Pittsburgh Steelers continues. The organization was involved in conversations for multiple top players, but weeks before training camp opens, the team added another superstar defender by acquiring Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins.”
“The Steelers are not only acquiring Ramsey from the Dolphins, they are also making sure that their new cornerback earns a salary bump. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers are giving Ramsey a raise of $1.5 million for the 2025 season, bringing his compensation for the upcoming season to $26.6 million.”
The Steelers are evidently pushing their chips into the middle of the table for a one-year Super Bowl push, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers hinted last week that 2025 will be his final hurrah.
Punturi concluded, “Ramsey is under contract through the 2028 season but has an opt-out clause that can be executed after the 2026 season. The Steelers will now have time to see if their newest star defender can bring the defense back to Super Bowl contention. Ramsey is the latest addition to the Steelers’ locker room, joining DK Metcalf, Darius Slay, and Jonnu Smith as recent veteran additions to the roster. Clearly the Steelers are all in on a Super Bowl pursuit in 2025.”
Ramsey will turn 31 in the fall.
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