Every Friday morning, we'll answer Twitter and email questions submitted for these mailbags and our twice-a-week Access Vikings podcasts. Check out or latest podcast previewing Sunday's game against the Raiders.
Q: Should we trade Xavier Rhodes and a first-round pick for Jalen Ramsey? — @VikesAndSports
AK: The Vikings are one of six NFL teams to reportedly make "substantive inquiries" for Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey, according to ESPN. Ramsey, the 2017 All-Pro pick, demanded a trade after a sideline argument with coach Doug Marrone last weekend.
It makes sense, because Ramsey is the type of hyper-talented corner the Vikings covet. He's a freakishly athletic press cover corner who would fit right into Mike Zimmer's system. Also consider: just five cornerbacks are under contract for 2020 (three with experience in Xavier Rhodes, Holton Hill and Mike Hughes). The Vikings have not made long-term commitments to Trae Waynes or Mackensie Alexander, who become free agents in March.
The upside: Ramsey only turns 25 next month. He's already a two-time Pro Bowler in three NFL seasons, and his 45 pass deflections are the fourth most by any NFL defender since he was drafted. He would immediately usurp Rhodes as the Vikings' No. 1 corner, and that's saying something given Rhodes' talent.
The downside: The Jaguars don't have to do anything, even if they're apparently willing to try to accommodate him. If he's moved, Ramsey could cost a lot — both in terms of draft capital (remember DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, with only potential to his name, was just traded from Miami to Pittsburgh for a 2020 first-round pick) as well as Ramsey's eventual new contract that may reset a market topped at $15 million per season. He's under contract through 2020. Also: the Vikings' current salary cap situation, however malleable it may be, is pretty tight.
Q: Zimmer is known for discipline, why are we seeing so many penalties? — @Jaq_Be_Nimble
AK: After two games, the Vikings are the fifth-most penalized team in total flags (19) and second-most penalized in yardage (200). That's very uncharacteristic, as you mentioned, of Mike Zimmer-led teams, which in Minnesota haven't ranked worse than 14th in fewest penalties. The simplest explanation is youth. The Vikings brought 12 rookies onto the initial 53-man roster, and two of them — cornerback Kris Boyd (three penalties) and center Garrett Bradbury (two penalties) — lead the team in flags. When you've got a roster full of high-priced veterans, young players need to grow up quickly and you're seeing that now.
