Vikings CB Claps Back at Trade Theory
The Minnesota Vikings’ cornerback room might need a little attention, perhaps the one spot on the current roster where fans want some extra juice.
A semi-popular Vikings social media account claimed the team should trade one of its cornerbacks, and naturally, the defender wasn’t a fan.
So when Jalen Ramsey became available via trade shortly before the draft, some wondered what he might look like in purple.
That led to a theoretical post this week from The Purple Persuasion, a social media aggregator, suggesting the franchise could or should trade cornerback Mekhi Blackmon for Ramsey.
Humorously, Blackmon found the tweet on X and wasn’t shy about clapping back.
Mekhi Blackmon Rebukes Trade Theory for Jalen Ramsey
TPP tweeted Saturday, “Jalen Ramsey for Mekhi Blackmon. An aging CB with a big contract for a young CB on his rookie deal. Would you do it?”
Blackmon pounced and replied, “We about to trade you.🤣”
Here’s the full exchange:
It’s worth noting that Blackmon is not popularly on the trade block for the Vikings, and TPP’s idea is a standalone mention. No one should expect Blackmon to be traded, and in fact, theorizing it is a first-of-its-kind ordeal this offseason.
The Latest on Ramsey’s Trade Outlook
The Miami Dolphins trading Ramsey, however, is not a hot take or a long shot. That will likely happen before too long. Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier all but confirmed that a Ramsey trade would occur before the start of the regular season, and offloading him to a new team after June 1st is fiscally more responsible for Miami.
CBS Sports‘ Brad Crawford noted on the Ramsey trade state of play this week: “The Miami Dolphins are hearing from more ‘interested parties than people realize’ for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, whose days are likely numbered with the franchise, according to general manager Chris Grier. Adam Schefter reported the increase in calls and said if a trade happens, it could not be processed until after June 1 for cap reasons.”
“Grier confirmed in April the decision was mutual to explore trade options with Ramsey, who is under contract through 2028, and that it was “in the best interest for all parties” to move forward in 2025 without being tied to one another.”
And because a seven-time Pro Bowl corner would make sense for the purple team, the Vikings cannot be ruled out as a trade destination. It’s just that Blackmon probably wouldn’t be a part of the deal.
Crawford added, “Most speculative trade talks involving Ramsey included the Dolphins receiving a wide receiver and future draft pick in exchange for the proven cornerback, but nothing materialized just yet. The team which trades for Ramsey must be willing to take on his guaranteed salary of $24.3 million for 2025 as part of a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension he signed back in November.”
The Fit, in Theory, with the Vikings
Minnesota has several corners lined up for roster spots in 2025; the team doesn’t have a quantity shortage.
Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Blackomon, Jeff Okudah, Dwight McGlothern, and Ambry Thomas, among others, are slated to compete for roster spots at training camp and in the preseason. After Murphy Jr., a Pro Bowler, Minnesota has no guaranteed-to-be-good cornerbacks.
Therefore, when Ramsey became attainable via trade last month, Minnesota popped up as a landing spot.
Trade Price?
Ramsey will turn 31 in October, so his career’s prime is in the rearview. And while he’s still a star and shutdown cornerback, that age will decrease his trade value.
The Vikings or another team can probably grab Ramsey from Miami for the equivalent of a 3rd-Round pick. It is unclear if a player — like Blackmon — would be included in the deal or if the suitor would send draft picks to Miami. Stay tuned.
One thing is relatively certain: Ramsey will be traded somewhere after June 1st.
Vikings-Themed Media on a Ramsey Trade
SI.com‘s Joe Nelson wrote about a Ramsey trade to the Vikings earlier this week.
He opined: “Twenty-one million still isn’t a small number, but the Vikings are working with J.J. McCarthy’s rookie contract and that gives them flexibility. Currently, per Over The Cap, the Vikings have $14.2 million in cap space. They could make a trade happen with some slight restructures, and Ramsey — who turns 31 in October — would instantly erase the uncertainty in Minnesota’s cornerback room.”
“As it stands now, the Vikings are going to battle with Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, Jeff Okudah, and Dwight McGlothern as their top five cornerbacks.”
Ramsey won a Super Bowl with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell in Los Angeles four seasons ago. That connection has propped up the Ramsey-to-Minnesota rumor mill for a few weeks.
Nelson added, “Ramsey signed a three-year, $72 million deal prior to last season, but it only came with around $24 million guaranteed. Any team acquiring him in a trade would be taking on roughly $21 million in guaranteed salary, unless they can get the Dolphins to eat some of it to facilitate a deal.”
“His contract has future cap hits of $25 million, $27 million, and $36 million, but because they aren’t guaranteed, he could be cut after June 1 in 2026 or 2027 and his dead cap hit would only be $6.7 million (per Over the Cap). The Vikings or any other team acquiring him could treat it like a one-year rental.”
A Ramsey swap for Minnesota does make sense, but including Blackmon isn’t a popular sentiment, and Blackmon personally hates the idea.
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