Breaking down Jalen Ramsey’s best fits and trade ideas
By Ian Wharton
Minnesota Vikings
Proposed trade: 2020 1st rounder, 2020 second rounder, 2021 fourth rounder, CB Xavier Rhodes
Why they should do it:
The Vikings’ regime is in a win-at-all-costs mindset after giving Kirk Cousins the bag. Their future is undeniably tied to their accomplishments with the $84 million man. Trading future assets and leveraging every available dollar only makes sense.
Swapping out Xavier Rhodes, who is a necessary casualty for cap purposes, for Ramsey would be an upgrade now that Rhodes has shown signs of aging the last season-plus. The Vikings would gain cap flexibility right away until Ramsey’s extension and can’t bank on the picks making an impact right away anyway.
He’d be a perfect scheme and mentality fit into the franchise.
Why they shouldn’t:
The Vikings would be paying the Jaguars or someone else to take Rhodes’ massive contract off their hands on top of moving premier picks. It’s a massive haul to consider despite the help Ramsey would give. And if this regime survives, their margin for error to fill roster gaps would be miniscule.
They’d also be banking on the healthy return of Mike Hughes and would need him to be a solid starter immediately since their depth will surely be compromised without Rhodes and the seemingly-inevitable Trae Waynes departure.
The Vikings should be interested if they can unload Rhodes for an asset, or something that wouldn’t cost them as much as I’m predicting.