Cold Water Poured on Vikings Big Trade Theory
Over the last couple of weeks, a national audience of NFL media has joined Minnesota Vikings fans in believing that seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey could be traded to the purple team.
One big Vikings trade idea might be dead in the water, a disappointment for some who desire a superteam roster.
Ramsey is available via trade per the lips of Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier, and because Ramsey won a Super Bowl with the 2021 Los Angeles Rams and Kevin O’Connell, Ramsey to Minnesota has gained momentum.
But then ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler came along this week to pour cold water on the exciting theory.
Jeremy Fowler Says Not So Fast on Jalen Ramsey to Vikings
Just when the Ramsey rumor felt real for purple fans, Fowler threw a wrench into the plan. He hopped on KFAN this week, telling the network that the money in a Ramsey deal may not work in Minnesota.
Fowler said about the idea of Ramsey being shipped to Minnesota: “I’ve thought about that with the Vikings. I did check on that. I do not, unless something changes with the money, then maybe they would get involved. From what I was told, the money would sort of a non-starter for Minnesota. I wouldn’t totally take it off the table, but I don’t have them on my short list.”
“I still have the Rams, and then it’s hard to figure out which team is going to be the mystery team. Seattle interests me because they have been looking at free agent corners, and they wanted to draft a corner and didn’t, so they still have a need there. And then Washington, from what I’ve heard, at least looked into it at one point.”
The realism of a Ramsey trade to Minnesota has actually hit a fever pitch in the last week.
Fowler added, “But a lot of these teams are spooked by the money because of the $24 million guaranteed. The Rams are sort of waiting it out. It’s really interesting. I do think it’ll get done, I just don’t know what it’s going to look like financially.”
“But I know he’s supposed to get traded in somewhat short order, so I think in the next week or two I could see it coming together.”
Never Say Never for Some
Of course, because the idea of Ramsey to Minnesota is so scintillating, some will ignore Fowler’s remarks and hope for the best.
Ramsey is 30 years old, so the age isn’t ideal, but it’s important to note that Ramsey’s next team won’t merely hope the man has something left in the tank. He’s still very much a Top 10 cornerback, showing little to no sign of slowing down.
In that vein, it’s a little bizarre that Miami wants to trade him.
What’s more, a Ramsey deal for Minnesota would make the roster damn near unstoppable, if one assumes that quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play at least decently in 2025. The depth chart would showcase zero weaknesses whatsoever with Ramsey in the cornerback room. None.
A Vikings CB Unit with Ramsey
Here’s what Minnesota’s cornerback group would like if Fowler has it wrong and a trade goes through:
- Jalen Ramsey
- Byron Murphy Jr.
- Isaiah Rodgers
- Mekhi Blackmon
- Jeff Okudah
- Dwight McGlothern
The unit would truly resemble a Super Bowl team’s — probably why fans have become infatuated with the Ramsey idea.
Other CB Options
Suppose Fowler is correct and a Ramsey trade isn’t conceivable for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. A different trade for a more affordable corner could involve Greg Newsome II from the Cleveland Browns or Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks.
Free agents like Jack Jones, Mike Hilton, Asante Samuel Jr., and Rasul Douglas also remain on the open market.
Adofo-Mensah has CB options if Fowler has it right. He might even be content with his current group.
More Ramsey Trade Situation Details
Pro Football Talk‘s Mike Florio sized up Ramsey’s trade sweepstakes this week: “A trade before June 1 would have triggered a $25.193 million dead-money charge for the Dolphins. Now, a trade will result in $6.745 million applying to the cap this year, with $18.448 million landing in 2026. It’s one of the most obvious consequences arising from the team’s decision to give him a new contract only months before deciding it was time to trade him.”
“Although the Dolphins previously downplayed the possibility of waiting until June to trade Ramsey, why would any team shoulder an extra $18.448 million this year when it can easily be avoided? Now, it will be. When Ramsey is traded, $18.448 million in cap charges will be deferred to 2026. That doesn’t solve the problem.”
If Minnesota landed Ramsey, Adofo-Mensah could possibly rework his contract.
Florio added, “Ramsey is still due to receive $20.235 million in 2025, with every penny fully guaranteed. Whoever trades for Ramsey will take on that responsibility — unless the Dolphins pay some of it in order to facilitate the deal. However it plays out, the Dolphins made it clear in April that Ramsey will be moving on. The more teams that are pursuing Ramsey, the better the deal the Dolphins will get.”
“For now, only the Rams have openly acknowledged the possibility of making the deal. Miami will need to have more teams at the table, or the Rams will basically be able to dictate the terms for the reversal of the deal that sent Ramsey from L.A. to Miami in 2023.”
Most summer trades for Minnesota, as of late, don’t surface until July or August.
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