Massive proposed trade sees Dolphins land Jalen Ramsey without breaking a sweat
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been, and still is, one of the best corners in the NFL since arriving in 2016. He was selected fifth overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars and made an impact as a rookie.
After three-and-a-half seasons with Jacksonville, on October 15, 2019, Ramsey was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. It was in exchange for a 2020 first-round pick, a 2021 first-round pick, and a 2021 fourth-round pick.
Upon arriving in LA, he signed a five-year, $105 million extension with the Rams, including $71.2 million guaranteed. The deal made him the highest-paid cornerback in history.
Following a terrible 2022 season after winning the Super Bowl in 2021, the Rams seem to be in a rebuild mode. They released All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner a few days ago, and the next start that could leave the team is Ramsey.
Tom Pelissero reported last night that it is very likely a Jalen Ramsey trade will happen next week.
The #Rams have had trade talks about six-time Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey and league sources now believe it’s very likely Ramsey is dealt in coming weeks.
Ramsey, 28, is due $17 million in 2023 on a front-loaded deal that averages $20M and L.A. is clearing cap space. https://t.co/vTYlX7nn5B
Miami Dolphins proposed trade offer for Jalen Ramsey
The Miami Dolphins could be a team interested in acquiring Ramsey. He has three years and $55 million left on his current contract, which only includes $12.5 million guaranteed. The Rams would save about $5.6 million towards the cap after dead money, upon trading Ramsey.
Miami could move on from cornerback Byron Jones, who hasn't been a premier cornerback in a few years, and pair him up with Xavien Howard.
In a proposed trade due to his contract, the Dolphins may be able to land Ramsey without giving up as much as the Rams did to get him out of the Jags.
Dolphins get: Jalen Ramsey, 2023 fifth-round pick
Rams get: Miami's 2023 second-round pick, fourth-round pick, and a 2024 third-round pick.
Winner and losers of the Jalen Ramsey trade
In this situation, the Rams would be winners. Their goal, when they acquired Ramsey in 2019, was to win a Super Bowl during his time there. They did that during the 2021-22 season. He's made the Pro Bowl every year since arriving in 2019 and made two All-Pros with the team.
Trading him away would free up cap space for them as they're looking to rebuild.
The Dolphins are currently over the cap by about $12 million. Ramsey has a cap hit of $25 million this season. Acquiring him would only dig them in a deeper hole.
While Ramsey is still one of the best corners, he's only getting older and the Dolphins could draft multiple corners for cheap and hope one of them is a quality starter.