As the NFL prepares for mandatory minicamps next month, discussions surrounding team rosters continue, particularly regarding player acquisitions for the upcoming 2025 season. Notably, Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is at the forefront of trade discussions as he has been throughout the offseason. While he hasn't yet been moved, recent reports from NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe indicated that June 1 could be a significant date. After this date, the remaining dead money on Ramsey's contract can be spread across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, making a potential trade more financially favorable for Miami. Trading Ramsey before June 1 would incur a $12.6 million penalty against the 2025 salary cap, while a post-June 1 trade could save the Dolphins $5.9 million. With this pivotal date approaching, it raises the question of which teams might pursue Ramsey once the draft is concluded.

Ramsey's potential departure isn't due to his performance; the seven-time Pro Bowler has shown he can still contribute effectively on the field. Last season, he started all 17 games for the Dolphins and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 83.2 during coverage. However, the decision to part ways appears more rooted in the dynamics of the player-team relationship. According to Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, the choice to pursue a trade is mutual, emphasizing that the relationship has become difficult, stating, '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 significantly increases to $10 million in 2026 and 2027, eventually reaching $21.1 million by 2028. Despite Miami's readiness to move on from the 30-year-old cornerback, Ramsey's skills could benefit a contender looking to capitalize on a short-term window.

One potential landing spot for Ramsey is the Atlanta Falcons, who have aspirations of playoff contention behind second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons have invested two first-round picks in defensive players and recently identified cornerback as a pressing need. With head coach Raheem Morris having previously coached Ramsey during his time with the Los Angeles Rams, this familiarity could facilitate a smoother transition for Ramsey. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens could benefit from adding Ramsey to a defense that struggled last season but showed improvement as the year progressed. Despite their efforts to bolster the secondary through free agency and draft picks, acquiring Ramsey would further enhance their cornerback depth as they aim to compete with powerhouse teams in the AFC.

The Cincinnati Bengals could also be strong contenders for Ramsey's services. With a Super Bowl window largely dependent on quarterback Joe Burrow's health, the Bengals are in a period where bolstering their defense is crucial. Having finished the previous season ranked 25th in both yards and points allowed, they recently revamped their coaching staff but did little to improve their cornerback situation. If Cincinnati hopes to strengthen their defensive capabilities ahead of the 2025 campaign, pursuing Ramsey would be a strategic move worthy of consideration. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams, Ramseys' former team, have maintained communication with him and could also explore reacquiring him, particularly given their current need at the cornerback position after a less than stellar defensive showing last season.

Additionally, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be the most immediate candidate for Ramsey’s services, they face a crucial juncture as they aim for deeper postseason runs. The Buccaneers' secondary ranked low in passing yards allowed last season, and Ramsey's experience could provide a valuable boost. As he has previously expressed a willingness to transition to safety if necessary, this flexibility could further benefit Tampa in adapting their defensive strategy. Lastly, the Washington Commanders, having undergone a remarkable turnaround in the past season, may also seek to add Ramsey to their roster. Given their recent success and the anticipated difficulty of their upcoming schedule, the Commanders may see the addition of an experienced veteran like Ramsey as a key component of their strategy to meet heightened expectations in the coming year.