As the NFL draft concludes and mandatory minicamps approach next month, teams continue to search for ways to enhance their rosters ahead of the 2025 season. While many teams have made significant acquisitions, several holes remain, and as injuries arise, trades and signings are likely to continue throughout the summer. One player who may be on the move in the upcoming months is Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who has been at the center of trade discussions during the offseason, though no deal has materialized as of yet.

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, while there are currently no imminent trade negotiations, the date of June 1 looms large for Ramsey and the Dolphins. Following this date, the remaining dead money on Ramsey's contract can be distributed across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, rather than all at once in the current season. This creates a financial incentive for the Dolphins, as trading Ramsey before June 1 would incur an additional $12.6 million charge to the 2025 salary cap, while moving him afterward could provide a $5.9 million cap savings. With just a week until this pivotal date, it is an appropriate time to assess potential teams that might pursue Ramsey and the reasons behind these considerations.

Importantly, the Dolphins are not considering trading Ramsey due to a decline in his performance. The seven-time Pro Bowler may not have received all-star honors in the previous season, yet he played all 17 games and demonstrated effective coverage, allowing a passer rating of just 83.2 when targeted. Miami's defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, noted that the decision to part ways stems from the evolving dynamics of the player-team relationship: 'He played very good ball for us, but relationships are hard. Both sides have mutually chosen to go the other way,' reported C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. Financial considerations also play a role, as Ramsey's base salary is a modest $1.3 million for the current season, but this will rise sharply to $10 million in 2026 and 2027, eventually reaching $21.1 million in 2028.

Despite the Dolphins’ intent to move on from the 30-year-old cornerback, his skill set could be a considerable asset to a team in contention for the upcoming season. One potential destination is the Atlanta Falcons, who aim to leverage second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to reach the playoffs in 2025. The Falcons have already committed two first-round draft picks to bolster their defense, selecting linebacker Jalon Walker and pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. Moreover, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine identified cornerback as the Falcons' most pressing post-draft need. Notably, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris previously coached Ramsey during his tenure as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator, which adds to the potential fit between the two parties.

Another team that could explore acquiring Ramsey is the Baltimore Ravens. Despite finishing 2024 ranked 31st in passing yards allowed, this statistic presents a somewhat skewed reflection of their defensive capabilities. Baltimore's defense struggled initially under first-year coordinator Zach Orr but showed improvement as the season progressed. The Ravens addressed their cornerback situation during free agency by signing Chidobe Awuzie and also selecting cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam in the sixth round. However, acquiring Ramsey would align with Baltimore's strategy of securing veteran talent, particularly as they seek to contest with the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs for Super Bowl contention.

Moreover, General Manager Eric DeCosta has a history of bringing in seasoned players when they can facilitate the team's objectives, as evidenced by recent signings of familiar names such as Odell Beckham Jr., Derrick Henry, and DeAndre Hopkins. The coaching connection between Weaver and Orr, who previously served as the Ravens’ inside linebackers coach, could ease Ramsey's transition if he joins Baltimore.

The Cincinnati Bengals may also exhibit strong interest in acquiring Ramsey, as it not only bolsters their roster but serves to impede a division rival from securing his services. Cincinnati's Super Bowl window coincides with the tenure of quarterback Joe Burrow, yet their postseason appearances have dwindled since his arrival in 2020. Injuries have adversely impacted Burrow's campaigns, but when healthy, he has led the Bengals to two AFC title games, including a Super Bowl appearance. The Bengals finished last season ranked 25th in both yards and points allowed, which was a significant factor in their failure to make the playoffs. With a new defensive coordinator in Al Golden, who previously oversaw defenses at Notre Dame, the Bengals could benefit from adding Ramsey to their cornerback corps, as they have yet to significantly address their pass defense during the offseason.

The Los Angeles Rams, on the other hand, are interested in maximizing the remaining years of quarterback Matthew Stafford's career. Stafford, who turned 37 in February, restructured his contract earlier this offseason, indicating the team's desire to make the most of his current contract, which runs through two more seasons. Although General Manager Les Snead had shifted focus to the draft in recent years, the Rams have not dismissed the idea of reclaiming Ramsey, who was previously traded to Miami. Head coach Sean McVay stated in a recent SiriusXM NFL Radio appearance, 'He and I have kept in great touch even since we ended up trading him to Miami,' revealing that discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of a return.

Acquiring Ramsey would certainly address a need for the Rams, who ended the previous season ranked 26th in net yards allowed per pass attempt. After not addressing the cornerback position through free agency or the draft, the necessity of acquiring a player of Ramsey's caliber is apparent, and such a move would not be unexpected as trade discussions progress.

One might initially overlook the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a strong candidate for Ramsey's services. Despite the Buccaneers' decision to sign cornerback Kindle Vildor and utilize their second- and third-round draft selections on prospects Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish, Tampa ranked a troubling 29th in passing yards allowed in 2024. Nonetheless, the Buccaneers continue their pursuit of a deeper postseason run, having won the NFC South in four consecutive seasons but failing to advance beyond the divisional round since their Super Bowl victory with Tom Brady in 2020. In a conference teeming with elite quarterbacks, bolstering their secondary with a player of Ramsey's experience could significantly enhance their defensive capabilities. Additionally, the Buccaneers could explore Ramsey's versatility, as he expressed interest in transitioning to safety if needed as his career progresses.

The Buccaneers have excelled in adding talent via the draft in recent years, having also secured quarterback Baker Mayfield two offseasons ago. However, they have not been regularly mentioned among the favored contenders like the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Rams. Securing Ramsey's addition could potentially alter their trajectory in the league.

The Washington Commanders, similar to the Buccaneers, have bolstered their cornerback corps through free agency by signing Jonathan Jones and selecting cornerback Trey Amos in the second round. They also acquired Marshon Lattimore at last year's trade deadline, although injuries limited his impact to only five games. Washington has emerged as a surprising force in the league following a drastic transformation under new head coach Dan Quinn, alongside rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, leading them to the NFC Championship Game after a dismal prior season.

Despite their unexpected success, Washington is now facing heightened expectations in 2025, alongside a challenging schedule. With the Commanders showing vulnerabilities in their secondary, evidenced by their meager total of just seven interceptions last season, recruiting a proven playmaker like Ramsey could provide a vital boost to their defensive lineup.

In conclusion, as the trade deadline approaches, the discourse surrounding Ramsey's future will likely intensify. Teams are positioning themselves for potential moves this offseason, and Ramsey's substantial experience and talent make him an intriguing option for franchises determined to make a significant impact in the forthcoming season.