With the NFL draft concluded and mandatory minicamps on the horizon for next month, teams are still actively evaluating their rosters ahead of the 2025 season. Despite having completed the draft process, franchises will continue to assess talent acquisition through trades and signings as they address existing gaps. Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey appears to be a prime candidate for potential movement in the coming months. Although trade speculation has surrounded Ramsey throughout the offseason, he remains with the Dolphins, for now. NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe recently reported that while immediate trade activity is not expected, June 1 represents a significant threshold in Ramsey's potential transition. Following this date, the dead money on Ramsey's contract can be distributed over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, rather than being counted solely against the current fiscal year. A trade before June 1 would impose a financial burden of $12.6 million on the Dolphins' 2025 cap space, whereas a trade after would provide savings of $5.9 million. With this crucial date approaching, an examination of teams positioned to pursue Ramsey post-draft is warranted.

It is important to clarify that the Dolphins do not seek to trade Ramsey due to diminished performance. The seven-time Pro Bowler did not receive all-star accolades last season; however, he was a consistent presence, starting all 17 games and allowing an opposing passer rating of merely 83.2 when targeted. As Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver noted, the potential trade stems from a strategic shift in the player-team dynamic. "He played very good ball for us, but relationships are hard. Both sides have mutually chosen to go the other way," Weaver remarked, according to C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. Financial considerations also play a crucial role in this decision. While Ramsey currently has a modest base salary of $1.3 million for this season, that figure escalates to $10 million in 2026 and 2027 and dramatically spikes to $21.1 million in 2028. Based on Miami's current direction, it may be time for the team to part ways with the 30-year-old defender, although his availability could prove beneficial for a franchise aiming to seize a championship window in the near future.

One such team that might pursue Ramsey is the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are optimistic they can contend for playoff success in 2025, driven by the development of second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. During the draft, Atlanta invested two first-round selections in defensive talent, obtaining linebacker Jalon Walker and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. According to Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, cornerback remains the Falcons' most pressing need following the draft. Notably, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris previously coached Ramsey for two seasons in his capacity as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator. Another potential contender is the Baltimore Ravens, who struggled in pass defense during the 2024 season, ranking 31st in passing yards allowed. This statistic, however, does not fully reflect their defensive capability, as Baltimore improved significantly under first-year coordinator Zach Orr as the season progressed. Although the Ravens made a move in free agency by signing defensive back Chidobe Awuzie and drafted cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam, acquiring a player of Ramsey's caliber could further bolster their defense. The Ravens have been attempting to close the gap with the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs in the quest for the Super Bowl, and enhancing cornerback depth is essential to that goal. General Manager Eric DeCosta's history shows a willingness to add veteran players who can immediately contribute, with recent signings including notable names like Odell Beckham Jr., Derrick Henry, and DeAndre Hopkins. Coach Weaver's experience in Baltimore prior to his move to Miami may facilitate Ramsey's adjustment should he join the Ravens, utilizing familiar defensive schemes.

The Cincinnati Bengals also emerge as a logical contender for Ramsey's services, not only to enhance their own secondary but also to prevent his acquisition by the rival Ravens. The Bengals have a championship window that should remain open as long as quarterback Joe Burrow remains healthy. Since Burrow's entry into the league in 2020, Cincinnati has only qualified for the playoffs in two seasons, affected by injury setbacks that curtailed two of those campaigns. Nonetheless, when fully healthy, Burrow has proven instrumental for the Bengals, who have reached the AFC Championship Game twice and made a Super Bowl appearance. Following the conclusion of the last season, Cincinnati's defensive shortcomings were evident, finishing 25th in both yards and points allowed. The team parted ways with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, replacing him with Notre Dame's Al Golden in hopes of reinvigorating their defense. However, Cincinnati's lack of action to address their cornerback situation either through free agency or the draft leaves them in need of immediate improvements. After ranking poorly in pass defense metrics, the Bengals would benefit significantly from pursuing Ramsey before the upcoming training camp.

Additionally, the Los Angeles Rams, who originally traded Ramsey to Miami two years ago, may be contemplating a reunion. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, at 37 years old, signed a revised contract this offseason following an opportunity to discuss terms with potential suitors. While Stafford's contractual obligations extend for two more seasons, his availability beyond this year remains uncertain as the Rams aim to maximize their remaining competitive window. General Manager Les Snead has shifted from acquiring older stars through trades—an approach that helped secure a Super Bowl title—to a more draft-focused strategy. Nevertheless, the Rams have not dismissed the possibility of re-signing Ramsey. Coach Sean McVay revealed that he has maintained communication with Ramsey since the trade and acknowledged ongoing discussions with multiple teams regarding the cornerback. Bringing Ramsey back would address a significant need for a Rams team that struggled defensively, particularly in pass coverage last year, and has yet to bolster its cornerback depth through draft or free agency.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not be the most apparent team to pursue Ramsey, as they have recently added depth at cornerback in the form of Kindle Vildor and drafted cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in the second and third rounds, respectively. However, Tampa's defense ranked only 29th in passing yards allowed in the previous season. With aspirations to deepen their postseason journey after winning the NFC South for four consecutive years, it is essential for the Buccaneers to enhance their defensive lineup. Given the competitive landscape of their conference, featuring high-profile quarterbacks, acquiring a seasoned player like Ramsey could yield significant benefits. Moreover, while Ramsey primarily plays cornerback, he has expressed openness to potentially transitioning to safety at some point in his career, adding further versatility to any team that signs him. Additionally, the team's recent success in talent acquisition through the draft, paired with their past signing of quarterback Baker Mayfield, emphasizes Tampa's commitment to remaining competitive. However, they must distinguish themselves from other contending teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles and the Detroit Lions, where adding a player like Ramsey could elevate their championship aspirations.

The Washington Commanders, like the Buccaneers, addressed cornerback needs both in free agency by signing Jonathan Jones and via the draft with their second-round pick, Trey Amos. They also traded for Marshon Lattimore during the previous season, but his contributions were limited due to injuries. After a remarkable turnaround season, highlighted by the impactful leadership of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and new head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders surprised the league by making an appearance in the NFC Championship Game following a challenging previous season. With heightened expectations and facing one of the toughest schedules in the upcoming season, securing experienced talent like Ramsey could provide an invaluable return on investment, especially considering Washington's struggles in the interception department last year. Given Ramsey's impressive track record of 24 career interceptions, he could significantly enhance their defensive capabilities.

In conclusion, with the June 1 deadline approaching, the landscape surrounding Jalen Ramsey's potential trade remains dynamic. Several teams, including the Falcons, Ravens, Bengals, Rams, Buccaneers, and Commanders, could weigh the opportunity to add a seasoned veteran like Ramsey to bolster their rosters ahead of the 2025 season.