Tyler Forness with producer Dave Stefano on Vikings 1st & SKOL dive into the salary cap strategy that could mirror the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl success. This episode explores how option bonuses and cash-over-cap spending reduce cap hits over time, enabling the Vikings to build a championship roster. With Ramsey’s contract as a case study, Forness and Stefano analyze the feasibility of adding the Miami Dolphins’ star cornerback to bolster the Vikings’ secondary.
The Minnesota Vikings could transform their defense with a hypothetical blockbuster trade for Jalen Ramsey, and The Real Forno Show breaks down how it’s financially possible. In this June 26, 2025, episode, hosted by Tyler Forness with producer Dave Stefano on Vikings 1st & SKOL—a Fans First Sports Network production—the duo dives into the salary cap strategy that could mirror the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl success. This episode explores how option bonuses and cash-over-cap spending reduce cap hits over time, enabling the Vikings to build a championship roster. With Ramsey’s contract as a case study, Forness and Stefano analyze the feasibility of adding the Miami Dolphins’ star cornerback to bolster the Vikings’ secondary. Packed with NFL trade rumors, Minnesota Vikings news, and salary cap insights, this episode is a must-listen for fans dreaming of a Super Bowl run.
Key Points of the Episode:
Vikings’ Cornerback Needs: Only Byron Murphy Jr. is a proven starter, with CB2 and CB3 spots uncertain, making Ramsey a potential game-changer.
Jalen Ramsey Trade Feasibility:
- Draft cost: Likely a mid-round pick (Vikings have 3rd, 5th, and possible compensatory picks).
- Salary cap hits: $9.916M (2025), $18.288M (2026), $20.055M (2027), manageable via option bonuses ($18.98M in 2025, $8.135M in 2026, $8.835M in 2027).
- Vikings’ cap space: $23.54M (2025), leaving $13.62M with Ramsey; -$60.82M (2026); $41.87M (2027).
- Dolphins’ motivation: Save $10M in 2025 cap space, though they’d eat $15M dead money in 2026, and Ramsey’s age [will be 31 in October].
Cash-Over-Cap Strategy: Option bonuses spread costs, reducing cap hit percentages as the NFL salary cap rises (e.g., $279.5M in 2025, projected $307M in 2026).
Eagles’ Blueprint: Their Super Bowl win used similar contract structures for stars like Jalen Hurts, showing how the Vikings could maximize their roster.
Risks and Ownership Dynamics: Future cap hits and potential NFL rule changes pose risks, but the Wilfs’ $5B net worth and history, supports aggressive spending.
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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.
Question:
Do you believe using Cash-Over-Cap strategy by the Vikings has enabled the team make a Super Bowl run of their own? Share your thoughts below!