As the NFL draft wraps up and mandatory minicamps approach next month, teams are still in a position to enhance their rosters for the upcoming 2025 season. Gaps remain on team rosters, injuries are expected, and roster movements including trades and signings will continue throughout the summer. Among the notable players potentially on the move is Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has been part of trade discussions for a significant portion of the offseason, though no deal has materialized as of yet.

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, while there currently are no imminent trade talks, June 1 is a pivotal date to monitor. After this date, the remaining dead money on Ramsey's contract can be redistributed over the 2025 and 2026 seasons instead of affecting the team's salary cap for the current season. A trade prior to June 1 would require the Dolphins to incur an additional $12.6 million in cap space in 2025, whereas a trade afterward could save the team $5.9 million. With this crucial date fast approaching, it is timely to consider teams that may pursue Ramsey and their reasons for doing so.

It is essential to clarify that the Dolphins are not parting ways with Ramsey due to a decline in his performance. Although the seven-time Pro Bowler did not make the all-star roster last season, he played all 17 games and permitted an opposing passer rating of just 83.2 in coverage. Miami's defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, indicated that the decision to explore a trade is rooted in the relationship between the player and the team. 'He played very good football for us, but relationships are complicated. Both parties have mutually chosen to part ways,' Weaver stated.

Financial considerations also play a significant role in this situation. Ramsey's base salary for the current season stands at $1.3 million, but it escalates to $10 million in 2026 and 2027 before surging to $21.1 million in 2028. While the Dolphins appear prepared to move on from the 30-year-old player, it does not diminish his potential contributions to a team that believes it can compete for a championship in the near future.

The Atlanta Falcons may fit that description, as they aim to build on the promise of second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and have already allocated two first-round draft picks toward enhancing their defense through linebacker Jalon Walker and pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine has identified cornerback as the Falcons' top need following the draft. Additionally, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has a history with Ramsey, having coached him for two years while serving as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens ended the 2024 season ranked 31st in passing yards allowed, though this statistic may be somewhat misleading. Baltimore's defense struggled initially under first-year coordinator Zach Orr but improved as the season progressed. The team added cornerback Chidobe Awuzie in free agency this offseason and selected cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam in the sixth round. Nevertheless, acquiring Ramsey could align with Baltimore's strategy as they pursue the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs for Super Bowl contention. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta has a history of adding experienced veterans when he believes they can enhance the team's prospects.

The Cincinnati Bengals could also express interest in Ramsey, not only to bolster their own defense but also to prevent him from joining a divisional rival in Baltimore. The Bengals' Super Bowl window remains open while quarterback Joe Burrow is healthy, but they have made the postseason just twice since Burrow's arrival in 2020. Despite Burrow starting all 17 games last season, the Bengals missed the playoffs due to defensive shortcomings, finishing 25th in both yards and points allowed. After the season, Cincinnati dismissed defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in favor of Al Golden from Notre Dame, but the Bengals have not made notable improvements to their cornerback depth since. A proactive approach to secure Ramsey could catalyze a much-needed defensive overhaul.

Simultaneously, the Los Angeles Rams are also keen on maximizing the remaining years of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who recently turned 37. Stafford agreed to a revised contract this offseason after initially being allowed to communicate with other teams. He is contracted for two more seasons, but uncertainty looms regarding his future beyond this year, prompting the Rams to make the most of his tenure. Although Rams general manager Les Snead has shifted his approach toward prioritizing the draft, he has not entirely ruled out the possibility of re-signing Ramsey, whom he traded to Miami two years ago. Head coach Sean McVay has maintained communication with Ramsey, indicating ongoing discussions with various teams.

Although the Rams ranked 26th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season and have not signed a cornerback in free agency or the draft, bringing back Ramsey would certainly address a critical need for the team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite not immediately appearing as likely contenders for Ramsey, might benefit from his addition. Tampa signed Kindle Vildor before investing in cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish at the second and third rounds of the draft, but they ended 2024 ranked 29th in passing yards allowed. With hopes of a deeper postseason run, the Buccaneers could leverage Ramsey's experience against formidable quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Jared Goff within the conference.

Furthermore, Ramsey has expressed a willingness to transition to a safety role should the opportunity arise later in his career. While that is not his current primary position, the Buccaneers could experiment with Ramsey's versatility as they also seek additional safety depth.

Lastly, the Washington Commanders, who have been proactive in adding cornerback assistance through both free agency and the draft, remain in the conversation for Ramsey. Washington's roster underwent a transformation in 2024 under new head coach Dan Quinn, successfully transitioning from a four-win season to competing in the NFC Championship Game against the rival Eagles. Despite this success, expectations remain high for the team, which now faces the eighth-toughest schedule in terms of winning percentage. For the Commanders to exceed expectations in the coming season, securing a formidable defender like Ramsey, who has a long history of interceptions, may serve as a strategic advantage.