One of the last big dominoes of the NFL offseason dropped with the Miami Dolphins trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A deal that thankfully didn't involve the Minnesota Vikings.
Ramsey was the first to break the news on social media, posting a video announcing his move to Pittsburgh. Joining Ramsey in the blockbuster deal are tight end Jonnu Smith and a 2027 seventh-round pick. The Dolphins are getting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
With that compensation, it might be a good thing the Vikings didn't make any move to bring Ramsey in.
After the Jalen Ramsey trade, nothing changes for the Minnesota Vikings at cornerback (and that's okay)
Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. His skill set can't be duplicated as his resume includes seven Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro selections.
What the Steelers and Dolphins gave up to make the deal possible seems a bit off. There is a ton of star power going to each team, and low draft picks to show for it. That would not be a team-friendly deal for Minnesota.
The Vikings appear content with their secondary heading into the 2025 season. Minnesota is projected to start Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, and Isaiah Rodgers, with Jeff Okudah also potentially in the picture.
Murphy is the team's most reliable cornerback after re-signing with the team in the offseason. Blackmon is returning from his torn ACL injury, so there may be an adjustment period for him. Rodgers has been receiving praise from his defensive coordinator, Brian Flores, so that he could have a monster season on the outside.
There was speculation this offseason with many media outlets connecting Ramsey to the Vikings, as some felt the team's weakest position was at cornerback. Minnesota lost Stephon Gilmore, Fabian Moreau, and Shaq Griffin in free agency.
This pass defense ranked 28th in 2024, allowing 242 yards per game. The Vikings have done enough in the secondary to warrant the cornerbacks the shot to prove themselves at training before adding another one. Vikings fans hope that guys like Rodgers live up to expectations.