The Miami Dolphins and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey are at a pivotal juncture this offseason, as both sides have agreed to part ways and explore trade options. The anticipation surrounding Ramsey’s potential move has sparked considerable speculation across the league, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerging as a leading candidate for his services.
As it stands, a trade for the former top 10 pick seems increasingly likely within the next month. NFL.com’s Nick Shook has identified the Buccaneers as a particularly good fit for Ramsey, noting their productive offseason. "Tampa Bay has had a remarkably productive offseason for a defending division champion, adding young talent to the offense while retaining Lavonte David and welcoming in key veterans on the defensive side in free agency," Shook stated.
Despite their impressive roster moves, the Buccaneers still have a glaring need in the secondary, where Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield are currently their best defenders. While they have drafted two cornerbacks this offseason, the addition of a player like Ramsey, who has expressed a desire to transition to safety, could be the missing piece for Tampa Bay as they aim for another NFC South title in 2025.
However, the financial aspect of a potential trade poses a significant hurdle. Ramsey is due a hefty $25.1 million in 2025, with $24 million in guarantees this year alone. This financial burden has made it difficult for the Dolphins to find a suitable trade partner without absorbing some of the contract's cost. As Shook pointed out, "The biggest hurdle in a potential Ramsey trade would be salary cap logistics. The Buccaneers have around $29.1 million in projected cap space before signing their draft picks, which might provide enough room to maneuver."
Ramsey's contract runs through 2028, but there’s a potential out after the 2025 season. At 30 years old, he remains a highly decorated player, with a Super Bowl LVI win under his belt and a resume that includes seven Pro Bowl appearances and three first-team All-Pro nods. Last season, he started all 17 games for the Dolphins, recording 60 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, and 11 pass deflections.
Despite his impressive performance, concerns about his contract and age are prevalent among potential suitors. As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported, "The sticking point here is that $24 million in guarantees. My sense after asking around is Miami has not been overly eager to cover some of that bill, which sort of makes a trade hard to pull off right now." This has led to speculation that the Dolphins may need to be flexible financially to facilitate a trade.
The Los Angeles Rams, who initially traded Ramsey to Miami ahead of the 2023 season, have also expressed interest in bringing him back. Rams head coach Sean McVay referred to Ramsey as a "total stud" and emphasized the team’s desire to reunite with the cornerback. The Rams reached the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs last season, making them an appealing destination for Ramsey, who wants to play for a contender.
Although the Rams have just under $19.9 million in cap space available, they could potentially find a way to accommodate Ramsey’s contract if they decide to pursue him actively. If both the Dolphins and Rams can find common ground financially, it could lead to a swift resolution to this ongoing saga.
In addition to the Buccaneers and Rams, several other teams have been mentioned as possible landing spots for Ramsey. The Las Vegas Raiders, while not considered top contenders, lack a true No. 1 cornerback and could benefit from Ramsey's experience and skill set. The Atlanta Falcons, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tennessee Titans are also potential candidates, with each team looking to bolster their secondary.
The Bengals, who ranked just 23rd in defensive EPA last season, could use a consistent No. 1 option to improve their defensive unit, while the Titans have been relatively quiet in their cornerback acquisitions this offseason. The Eagles, with $24.8 million in cap space, might also be a dark horse in the Ramsey sweepstakes, especially with their need for veteran presence in the secondary.
As the offseason progresses, the Dolphins are at a crossroads with Ramsey. The clock is ticking, and with the June 1 deadline approaching, there may be a strategic advantage in waiting to finalize any deal until after that date, when $10 million is cleared off Ramsey’s cap hit. This could make a trade more feasible, particularly if Miami remains reluctant to cover any of his guarantees.
In conclusion, while the Dolphins and Ramsey are both eager to part ways, the complexities of his contract and the salary cap implications present significant challenges. The Buccaneers, Rams, and several other teams are keeping a close eye on the situation, hoping to land a player of Ramsey's caliber. As the NFL offseason continues, all eyes will remain on this developing story as teams weigh their options and the potential impact of acquiring one of the league's premier cornerbacks.
