The Miami Dolphins are reportedly exploring trade options for their star cornerback Jalen Ramsey as they head into the 2025 NFL season. This development comes after the Dolphins and Ramsey mutually agreed to consider potential trade scenarios, according to NFL Network. The 30-year-old Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, has been a significant player in Miami's secondary since joining the team in 2023 from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for tight end Hunter Long and a third-round draft pick.
Ramsey signed a lucrative three-year extension worth $72.3 million prior to the 2024 season, but the first year of that deal is not until 2026, meaning he is technically under contract through the 2028 season. However, the last guaranteed money in his contract is due this year, with a salary and bonuses totaling around $25 million for the upcoming season. This financial structure raises the stakes for the Dolphins as they consider their options.
Last season, Ramsey started every game for Miami, recording 60 tackles, two interceptions, and one sack. Notably, he was not selected for the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie year in 2016, marking a significant shift for a player who has been a three-time All-Pro. The Dolphins' decision to explore trade options could be a sign of a larger shift within the organization, especially after their failure to make the playoffs last season.
As the Dolphins prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26, they hold 10 picks, including the 13th overall selection. If general manager Chris Grier can successfully trade Ramsey before the draft, it could provide the team with additional capital to rebuild their secondary. With the recent departures of key players like safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Kendall Fuller, the Dolphins are left with Ramsey as the sole high-profile veteran in their secondary.
Ramsey's potential trade raises questions about the Dolphins' strategy moving forward. The team has already seen significant changes this offseason, losing veteran leaders such as lineman Calais Campbell and tackle Terron Armstead, who recently announced his retirement after 12 seasons. This exodus of talent could indicate a rebuilding phase for the Dolphins, particularly if they part ways with Ramsey.
When Ramsey was acquired by Miami, he was expected to be a cornerstone of their defense. However, his future with the team is now uncertain. Reports indicate that Ramsey has $25.1 million fully guaranteed for the upcoming season, but with Miami having already paid a $4 million roster bonus, any team trading for him would only be responsible for $21.1 million in 2025.
If the Dolphins decide to trade Ramsey before June 1, his cap number would rise to $25.2 million, as his signing bonus would no longer be spread out over the remaining years of his contract. Alternatively, if a trade occurs after June 1, his cap number would decrease to $6.7 million, allowing Miami to retain more financial flexibility moving forward.
Despite being a three-time All-Pro and a potential candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ramsey's situation is complicated. His previous trades, including his move from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Rams, suggest a player who has not been able to settle in one place for long. This raises the possibility that he may seek to renegotiate his contract again if he is traded.
The Dolphins' cornerback position is already a concern, and Ramsey's departure would only exacerbate the issue. The team has recently signed free-agent cornerbacks Artie Burns and Ifeatu Melifonwu, but the rest of the group consists mainly of young, unproven players. This could lead Miami to prioritize selecting a cornerback with their first-round pick in the upcoming draft, possibly targeting prospects like Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron.
As the Dolphins navigate these changes, the uncertainty surrounding Ramsey's future adds another layer of intrigue to the team's offseason. His potential exit could mark a significant turning point for a franchise looking to regroup after a disappointing season. With the draft approaching, all eyes will be on Miami as they weigh their options and determine the best path forward.
In summary, the Miami Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey's mutual decision to explore trade options signals a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise. As the team looks to rebuild and strengthen their secondary, the upcoming NFL Draft could offer them the opportunity to reshape their roster and address critical needs. The situation remains fluid, and fans will be eagerly watching to see how it unfolds in the coming days.
