Xavien Howard and Jalen Ramsey can help pave way for new era of dominance in Miami

Jalen Ramsey was acquired by the Miami Dolphins via trade with the Los Angeles Rams in one of the most shocking moves of the 2023 NFL offseason so far. They followed it up by restructuring his current contract. The Dolphins committed an additional $25 million to his total value by fully guaranteeing his salary for the upcoming 2023 and 2024 NFL seasons.

The Dolphins are apparently making a habit of splash trades to acquire superstar players. They were also involved in one of the biggest moves of last offseason when they acquired Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Miami Dolphins seem to be aiming to load up on elite players on both sides of the ball in hopes that they can make a push towards a Super Bowl.

While the Dolphins sent a massive package of six draft picks to the Chiefs in exchange for Tyreek Hill, they paid a much smaller price tag to acquire Jalen Ramsey. They sent just a third-round pick and tight end prospect Hunter Long back to the Rams for their superstar cornerback.

Trade is now agreed to, per sources:

🏈Dolphins get Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey.

🏈Rams get 2023 third-round pick (No. 77) and TE Hunter Long.

Trade will be processed Wednesday, when league year begins. https://t.co/0KJIeoS6fj

The Dolphins are likely hoping that the Ramsey trade will spark the start of a new dynasty in Miami. They were once one of the most consistently dominant franchises in the NFL, but it's been a while since their reign.

They have appeared in the NFL Playoffs just three times in the last 21 years, after appearing in seven of the previous eight immediately before their slump.

The Dolphins appeared in five Super Bowls and won two of them, but the last time was the 1984 NFL season, making it nearly 40 years since they were there. It has been an additional 12 years since the Dolphins won the ring, so the drought in Miami has become extensive. This may be why owner Stephen Ross is selling off NFL Draft picks to acquire current superstars.

The strategy of going all-in has proven to be effective. The most recent example is Jalen Ramsey's former team, the Los Angeles Rams.

Some of their major trades included Von Miller and Matthew Stafford, resulting in a Super Bowl ring for the 2021 NFL season. Stan Kroenke and Les Snead successfully went all-in to put the Rams in win-now mode, so maybe Stephen Ross and Chris Grier are following their lead.

Jalen Ramsey improves one of the Dolphins' biggest weaknesses

The Miami Dolphins severely struggled to defend their opposing passing attack during the 2022 NFL season. They allowed the sixth-most passing yards per game in their disappointing effort.

One of the main reasons may be because Byron Jones missed the entire year while dealing with injuries. Jones is expected to be released by the Dolphins, so Ramsey makes perfect sense as an upgrade.

Jalen Ramsey will be paired with Xavien Howard to form one of the best cornerback tandems in the entire NFL. Howard has led all players in interceptions during two separate seasons, while the two defensive backs have combined to be selected for five All-Pro teams. The Dolphins' 27th ranking in pass defense will almost improve in the 2023 NFL season.

This is great news for their chances of making a run at the Super Bowl this year. Howard and Ramsey can serve as the backbones for a defense that ranked inside the top five in rushing yards allowed per game last year.

Their offense is also ranked inside the top 10 in yards and points, so upgrading their pass defense makes them one of the most well-rounded teams in the entire NFL.