Evaluating Potential Trade for Jalen Ramsey Ahead of June 1

With the NFL draft now concluded and mandatory minicamps approaching next month, teams continue to seek opportunities to enhance their rosters for the upcoming 2025 season. Notably, players may be signed and traded well into the summer, and Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is likely to be among those involved in trade conversations in the coming months. Despite being the subject of trade discussions throughout the offseason, Ramsey remains with the Dolphins—at least for the time being.
NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe recently reported that while there are no immediate transactions in sight, June 1 is a significant date for Ramsey's potential movement. Following June 1, the remaining dead money on Ramsey's contract can be distributed over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, instead of impacting the current season alone. A trade before June 1 would burden the Dolphins with an additional $12.6 million in cap space for the 2025 season, while a deal afterward would yield a $5.9 million savings. With this pivotal date approaching, it is an opportune moment to assess teams that may pursue Ramsey and the rationale behind such moves.
It is important to clarify that the Dolphins are not looking to part ways with Ramsey due to any decline in his performance. The seven-time Pro Bowler did not receive all-star accolades last season but started all 17 games, managing to allow an opposing passer rating of just 83.2 in coverage. According to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, the potential split is centered on the dynamics of the player-team relationship. Weaver stated, 'He played very good ball for us, but relationships are hard. Both sides have mutually chosen to go the other way.' Financial considerations also play a role, as Ramsey's base salary is $1.3 million for this season, but it escalates to $10 million in 2026 and 2027, peaking at $21.1 million in 2028.
The Atlanta Falcons could be a prime candidate for Ramsey's services. The Falcons are optimistic about capitalizing on second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s potential to lead them to the playoffs in 2025. They have already invested two first-round picks on defensive talents—linebacker Jalon Walker and pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine has identified cornerback as the Falcons' most pressing post-draft need. Additionally, head coach Raheem Morris has prior experience coaching Ramsey for two years while serving as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator.
The Baltimore Ravens, who finished the previous season ranked 31st in passing yards allowed, also come to mind despite the somewhat misleading statistics. While their defense experienced a rough start under first-year coordinator Zach Orr, they showed improvement toward the end of the season. The Ravens made a significant move by acquiring Chidobe Awuzie in free agency and drafted cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam in the sixth round. However, taking a chance on acquiring Ramsey would still align with the Ravens' strategy of enhancing their defensive depth as they attempt to keep pace with teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in their pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Similar circumstances apply to the Cincinnati Bengals, who would be highly interested in acquiring Ramsey for more reasons than just preventing him from joining a rival team. As long as Joe Burrow remains healthy, Cincinnati's window for Super Bowl contention continues to be relevant. Since Burrow's entry into the NFL in 2020, the Bengals have reached the postseason in just two of his seasons, with injuries prematurely derailing his campaigns. Last season, the Bengals finished the year ranked 25th in both yards and points allowed, resulting in a coaching overhaul as they replaced former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo with Notre Dame's Al Golden. While a new system could improve the Bengals' defense, they made few moves to address their cornerback situation during the offseason, leaving a gap that Ramsey could fill as they look to reinvigorate their defensive performance heading into 2025.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Rams are focused on maximizing the effectiveness of Matthew Stafford in his advancing age, as he recently agreed to terms on a revised contract. Stafford, 37, has two seasons remaining on his current contract, yet there are no guarantees regarding his longevity. General manager Les Snead has shifted his strategy away from trading for veteran stars in recent years, instead relying on draft picks. Nevertheless, the Rams have not dismissed the idea of re-acquiring Ramsey, who was traded to Miami two seasons ago. Head coach Sean McVay mentioned ongoing conversations with Ramsey, emphasizing their commitment to explore all possible options, including a potential return for the cornerback, who would address an evident need for L.A. after they ranked 26th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while not an obvious candidate for Ramsey's services, could still benefit greatly from his experience. Tampa has added Kindle Vildor and selected cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in this year's draft, but they still finished the previous season ranked 29th in passing yards allowed. Despite winning the NFC South for four consecutive seasons, the Buccaneers seek to extend their playoff success beyond the divisional round, which they last achieved during their successful Super Bowl run with Tom Brady in 2020. With formidable quarterbacks such as Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, Jared Goff, and Stafford in their conference, Tampa could substantially benefit from augmenting their secondary with a player of Ramsey's caliber, who has previously hinted that he is open to transitioning to a safety role later in his career.
Similarly, the Washington Commanders have bolstered their cornerback position through free agency and the draft, yet they too could extend an offer to a veteran like Ramsey. After a surprising 2024 season, marked by a shift in team culture under new head coach Dan Quinn and the promising leadership of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders have aspirations of continuing their upward trajectory. Following a rapid turnaround from a four-win season to an NFC Championship Game appearance against the Eagles, expectations are undeniably high for Washington this year, which also faces a challenging schedule. Given their defensive struggles last season—including a mere seven interceptions—bringing in Ramsey could provide just the boost they need to exceed those expectations in 2025.








