Vikings minicamp buzz for June 2025: J.J. McCarthy takes over the first team while the team eyes a trade for star CB Jaire Alexander or Jalen Ramsey.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The air was electric at TCO Performance Center as mandatory minicamp kicked off Wednesday, and all eyes were on rookie J.J. McCarthy taking snaps with the first team. But while the future of the offense was on display, an even bigger story was brewing off the field: the Vikings are reportedly in the market for a true shutdown corner, with All-Pro names like Jaire Alexander and Jalen Ramsey topping the wish list.
He has all the intangibles, all the things you can't teach. The guy just has 'it'.
While the current secondary has potential with Byron Murphy Jr. leading the way and recent additions Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah, the front office knows a true game-changer could elevate Brian Flores's defense from great to elite. With Mekhi Blackmon recovering from a torn ACL, the opportunity is ripe. Reports indicate the Vikings are weighing a trade for the Dolphins' Jalen Ramsey or making a run at the recently released Jaire Alexander. Running back Aaron Jones is already playing recruiter, publicly stumping for his former Packers teammate Alexander to join him in purple. Adding either player would create a formidable defensive backfield and send a clear 'win-now' message to the rest of the NFC.
Back on the practice field, the biggest news was McCarthy's promotion to first-team reps. The move signals the coaching staff's desire to accelerate his development, and his teammates are already taking notice. Safety Josh Metellus voiced his strong belief in the rookie's potential to lead. The offense received another major boost with the return of star left tackle Christian Darrisaw, whose presence solidifies the line protecting the young QB. The front office also locked up a key piece, signing blocking specialist tight end Josh Oliver to a contract extension, ensuring continuity for the league's most dynamic 12-personnel packages.
Day one of minicamp was crisp and competitive. As expected, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison looked sharp, making plays all over the field. On defense, Josh Metellus and Byron Murphy Jr. were standout performers, setting the tone for the unit. In a surprising move just before practice, the team released fullback Giovanni Ricci. While not a blockbuster move, it opens up a roster spot and signals an open competition for the role, emphasizing the team's philosophy of constant evaluation and maximizing every position on the roster.
Wednesday was a whirlwind of activity, painting a picture of a franchise aggressively building for both the present and the future. The immediate focus will be on McCarthy's performance with the starters throughout the rest of minicamp, but all of Skol Nation will be glued to their phones, waiting to see if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah makes the blockbuster move for a cornerback that could truly put this team over the top.
