Let’s travel back in time to the 2017 season. The Minnesota Vikings had so-called CB whisperer Mike Zimmer at the helm, and his cornerback group was phenomenal. All-Pro Xavier Rhodes and ageless wonder Terrance Newman starred in the secondary. In the last few years, not much of that elite play has been visible on Sundays.
Vikings Cornerback Ruthlessly Responds to Trade Idea
Last season, after many shaky campaigns, the Vikings finally had a reasonable group led by Pro Bowler Byron Murphy Jr. He was flanked by veterans Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin. While Murphy Jr. was re-signed, his two wingmen have not gotten a new deal.
Instead, Isaiah Rodgers was acquired in free agency. He joined from the Super Bowl champions, the Eagles. Also back in the mix is Mekhi Blackmon, a 2023 third-rounder, who missed last year with a torn ACL.
It’s a popular opinion that the club could use another corner. Asante Samuel Jr. and Mike Hilton are still unsigned, and the trade market could include some guys. One of those is Jalen Ramsey. The Dolphins and the seven-time Pro Bowler are headed towards a divorce after agreeing that a change of scenery would be best for both parties.
In theory, the Vikings should be interested in the possibility. Instead of sending draft picks to Miami, The Purple Persuasion, a Vikings-themed aggregator account on social media, floated the idea of trading Blackmon for Ramsey straight up.
He wrote: “Jalen Ramsey for Mekhi Blackmon. An aging CB with a big contract for a young CB on his rookie deal. Would you do it?”
Well, Blackmon, the 26-year-old cornerback, was not impressed by the proposal and satirically clapped back. In a quote post, he noted: “We about to trade you.🤣”
Trading social media accounts for star players isn’t a common deal made in the NFL, although the Vikings are unlikely to be opposed to it. However, The Aqua Persuasion doesn’t have the same ring to it.
One can find fellow defensive back (in addition to various other jobs in Brian Flores’ defense) Joshua Metellus in the comments, saying, “Bruh trippin lmao”
In fact, most people in the comments and quote posts share that sentiment and wouldn’t do the trade. It’s the first time Blackmon has ever been mentioned in any trade conversation. Blackmon is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating players to watch in the upcoming months because he is a total mystery.
The USC product played well in his rookie year, but remained in the CB3 role throughout the season and played about half the defensive snaps, despite the subpar competition at his position. In year two, he was a widespread breakout candidate, but the severe knee injury put his progress on pause for an entire year.
The Vikings need him to perform in a cornerback room that lacks established players other than Murphy Jr. Rodgers and Blackmon have never been full-time starters. Jeff Okudah has a long injury history and has posted plenty of underwhelming film when he was healthy.
Now, let’s check the Ramsey side. He’ll turn 31 during the upcoming season, and cornerbacks can decline quickly. Just look at the aforementioned Rhodes, who was still solid in 2019 and was out of the league a couple of years later. He hasn’t played since his age-32 season.
Ramsey signed a lucrative three-year deal, worth $72.3 million. That deal won’t kick in until next year. It’s nearly impossible to get out of the contract for another two seasons, and even then, it would come with an $11.7 million dead cap hit.
It should be noted, though, that he was worth that kind of money last season and still belonged to the top corners in the NFL. For the Vikings, acquiring Ramsey would be an all-in move. Considering the significant cap burden the Vikings have already added this offseason by signing numerous expensive veterans, his contract might be a little steep, though.
The asking price can’t be too steep because of the salary that Miami can only get rid of via trade, and the age. Another good question is if they were willing to do it for a 26-year-old with only 435 defensive snaps on his resume coming off a torn ACL.
Don’t expect the proposed trade to happen. Blackmon will compete with Rodgers and Okudah for snaps throughout the next three-and-a-half months and is scheduled to play his next game for the Vikings in September.
