The Phinsider
The Miami Dolphins and cornerback Jalen Ramsey have agreed to look for a potential trade this offseason, seemingly ending a two-year South Florida stint for the nine-year veteran. According to rumors, Ramsey has lost faith in the Dolphins’ coaching staff and wants to move on. Miami, despite needing help across the secondary this offseason, seem to agree it is time for the seven-time Pro Bowl player to head elsewhere.
The NFL Draft would have seemed an ideal setting for a trade to occur, giving the Dolphins additional options in the three-day college prospect selection process. No trade materialized, however, and Ramsey remains with Miami.
During the draft weekend, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier mentioned a potential Ramsey trade, stating, “We’ve had conversations through the weekend with some teams about it as well, so depending on what happens and if and when it’ll happen; whatever it is, we’ll make the deal at the appropriate time.”
That appropriate time was not during the draft itself.
Why has a deal not been made already? The major factor may be money.
Ramsey is set to account for $16.7 million against the Dolphins’ salary cap this season, the third-largest number for the team. If he were traded before June 1, that number would jump to $29.2 million, with Miami losing over half its available salary cap space with an $12.6 million increase. If the trade happens on June 2 or later, the Dolphins would be on the hook for $6.7 million this year. The post-June 1 trade would create over $18 million in dead money next year, but Miami needs to have the flexibility to add to the roster this year, likely including adding a veteran replacement for Ramsey, that may force the Dolphins to keep the former first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars for at least another month.
Grier indicated the money was not a factor in when a trade could be made as he answered a question, bringing up the June 1 ramifications. “No, I think we’re open to everything,” he answered. “We’ve been having conversations with teams but we’re open to whenever the right opportunity comes for us and the organization.”
The money could also factor into teams who are willing to acquire Ramsey. The Dolphins signed Ramsey to a three-year extension in September, including three void years with a $12.4 million cap hit in 2029. A new team would be taking on a giant contract and would have to make sure they have the salary cap space throughout the life of the contract.
The Los Angeles Rams have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Dolphins, sending Ramsey back to LA just over two years after the Rams traded him to Miami. In that deal, the Dolphins sent Los Angeles a third-round draft pick and tight end Hunter Long. Could Miami see a return of a third-round pick two years later or has Ramsey’s value slid?
Rams head coach Sean McVay recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio and...
