As the NFL draft concludes and mandatory minicamps approach, teams continue to seek talent for the upcoming 2025 season. While some rosters are taking shape, there remain notable gaps, players will inevitably face injuries, and front offices will engage in trades and signings throughout the summer. One player frequently mentioned in trade discussions is Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, although he has not yet been moved. Recent reports from NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe indicate that while no trades are imminent, June 1 is a crucial date to watch regarding Ramsey's status. Following this date, the remaining dead money on his contract can be distributed over the 2025 and 2026 seasons, rather than impacting the current cap extensively. This would result in the Dolphins absorbing a $12.6 million cap hit if Ramsey is traded before June 1, whereas they would save $5.9 million if a deal occurs afterward.

With June 1 fast approaching, several teams could be in the mix to acquire Ramsey. It is important to note that the Dolphins are not considering a trade due to Ramsey’s performance; the seven-time Pro Bowler did not receive all-star recognition last season but started all 17 games while yielding a modest passer rating of 83.2 in coverage. Miami's defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver, acknowledged that the potential split stems from a mutual decision by both Ramsey and the team. Financial considerations also play a role in the Dolphins' decision-making, as Ramsey's base salary is currently low at $1.3 million but is set to escalate significantly in subsequent seasons. As Miami looks to part ways with the 30-year-old cornerback, this does not diminish his value to a contender team looking to seize a competitive window over the next couple of years.

The Atlanta Falcons emerge as a viable candidate for Ramsey's services, particularly as they hope to capitalize on second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s potential in the playoffs in 2025. The franchise has already invested in defense, utilizing two first-round picks on linebacker Jalon Walker and pass-rusher James Pearce Jr. Recent evaluations have identified cornerback as a pressing need for the Falcons, according to Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine. Additionally, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has prior experience with Ramsey, having coached him for two seasons when he served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens could also entertain the idea of acquiring Ramsey. Having ranked 31st in passing yards allowed last season, the Ravens experienced early struggles under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr, but improved as the season progressed. Baltimore also welcomed Chidobe Awuzie in free agency and drafted cornerbacks Bilhal Kone and Robert Longerbeam but could benefit from adding an established player like Ramsey as they seek to compete with the Bills and Chiefs in the Super Bowl context.

The Cincinnati Bengals should be keenly interested in acquiring Ramsey, not only to bolster their defensive capabilities but also to restrict a rival team like the Ravens from gaining his services. The Bengals' window for championship contention rests on quarterback Joe Burrow's health, yet the team has seen mixed postseason success since Burrow's arrival in 2020 due to injuries. After a disappointing 2024 defensive performance, the Bengals have recently undergone a coaching change, appointing Al Golden as the new defensive coordinator; however, their cornerback room underwent minimal changes during the offseason. For Cincinnati to have a real chance at defensive improvement, making a strong push for Ramsey before training camp could be critical.

While the Bengals hope to maximize Burrow's prime years, the Los Angeles Rams seek to make the most of quarterback Matthew Stafford’s final playing days. Stafford, who turned 37 in February, recently amended his contract after being allowed to explore trade options, retaining him in L.A. for another two years without a guarantee of extending his career beyond that. Rams general manager Les Snead has pivoted from previous strategies focused on trading for veterans, emphasizing the draft in recent seasons. Nonetheless, re-acquiring Ramsey, who was traded to Miami two years ago, remains a possibility. Rams head coach Sean McVay has acknowledged maintaining communication with Ramsey, underscoring ongoing discussions regarding his potential return, particularly given that the Rams presently need to address their cornerback depth after finishing 26th in net yards per pass attempt allowed last season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might not be the immediate front-runner for Ramsey's services, having recently signed Kindle Vildor and drafted cornerbacks Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish. However, despite these additions, Tampa ranked just 29th in passing yards allowed last season and is striving to achieve deeper playoff success. The Buccaneers have won the NFC South in four consecutive seasons, but the team has struggled to advance further than the divisional round since their Super Bowl victory with Tom Brady. With a conference featuring prolific quarterbacks, adding a seasoned cornerback like Ramsey could be beneficial. Additionally, there may be potential for him to transition into a safety role later in his career, as he has expressed interest in exploring that position if necessary.

Lastly, the Washington Commanders have pursued cornerback enhancements through free agency and the draft but could still benefit from adding an experienced player like Ramsey. Washington surprised many last season by transforming from a four-win campaign to a playoff appearance, largely due to the influence of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and a comprehensive roster overhaul under new head coach Dan Quinn. Despite the prior success, expectations will be high for Washington in 2025, especially with a challenging schedule ahead. In hopes of exceeding these expectations, bolstering their defense with a player of Ramsey’s caliber, who boasts an impressive 24 career interceptions, could be a significant advantage.