Jalen Ramsey, one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks and a three-time first-team All-Pro, has become the center of a major offseason saga as the Miami Dolphins prepare to move on from the star defender. Despite signing a three-year, $72 million extension just last September, Ramsey is expected to be traded before the 2025 regular season begins due to an apparent disconnect between player and team. With his $20.2 million guaranteed salary for 2025 complicating trade talks, several teams have emerged as plausible landing spots for the 30-year-old shutdown corner.
Miami Dolphins’ Decision and Contract Context
The Dolphins’ decision to part ways with Ramsey, who they acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in 2023 by trading a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, signals a shift in team direction. Head coach Mike McDaniel has remained tight-lipped, stating, “Nothing has changed,” but the front office’s active search for a starting cornerback this offseason reveals their intent to move forward without Ramsey. The financial implications are significant: Miami has already paid Ramsey’s $4 million roster bonus for 2025 and faces a $16.6 million cap hit, with a dead cap value of nearly $50 million if they release him outright. This makes a trade the most viable option to alleviate cap space and recoup assets.
Top Landing Spots
1. Los Angeles Rams
A reunion with the Rams is the most talked-about scenario. Ramsey helped lead Los Angeles to a Super Bowl LVI victory and remains a fan favorite. The Rams have a pressing need at cornerback and understand how to maximize Ramsey’s talents. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, a trade sending Ramsey back to Los Angeles could net Miami mid-to-late round draft picks and cash considerations, with the Rams absorbing at least $12 million of Ramsey’s guaranteed money. Coach Sean McVay acknowledged, “We certainly haven’t closed the door on that,” but also noted that talks have been slow and complex due to contract layers.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Though considered a long shot, the Vikings have been linked to Ramsey in trade rumors. Minnesota’s secondary could benefit from a player of Ramsey’s caliber, but the financial burden and draft capital required make this a less likely destination. The Vikings’ cap situation and existing cornerback depth pose obstacles to a deal.
3. Other Potential Teams
While the Rams and Vikings dominate headlines, other playoff-contending teams with secondary needs could explore Ramsey’s availability. However, Ramsey’s hefty $25.1 million guaranteed salary in 2025 and the Dolphins’ post-June 1 trade leverage dropping the cap hit from $25.2 million to $6.7 million limit the market. Teams wary of absorbing such a large cap figure may hesitate unless Miami agrees to cover a significant portion of the salary.
What Ramsey Brings
At 30 years old, Ramsey remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic and versatile cornerbacks. His nine-year career includes seven Pro Bowl selections and a reputation for lockdown coverage and physicality. Miami’s willingness to trade him despite his elite talent underscores the importance of fit and locker room chemistry in today’s NFL.
Jalen Ramsey’s free agency saga is one of the most intriguing NFL stories ahead of the 2025 season. The Los Angeles Rams stand out as the most logical landing spot, offering a Super Bowl contender familiar with Ramsey’s skill set and personality. However, financial complexities and draft capital requirements may push Miami to consider other suitors or wait until after June 1 to finalize a deal that best balances cap relief and return value.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how this blockbuster trade unfolds, with Ramsey’s next destination poised to impact the NFL’s defensive landscape significantly.
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