The Miami Dolphins are open to any trade offer on star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, at least according to General Manager Chris Grier. Ramsey just recently received a Pro Bowl bid for the 2024 season. This decision is particularly surprising given that he has missed seven games this year due to injury. Miami traded for Ramsey, 29, in March 2023 from the Los Angeles Rams. Now, if the trade goes through, they will need a cornerback.
Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, had signed a three-year, $72.3 million extension just before the 2024 season began. This deal came just a couple years after a previous three-year, $55 million restructured extension that he signed shortly after coming over to the Dolphins. His raw athleticism was on display through the 2024 season, as Ramsey picked off 3 passes and deflected another 11. He recorded only two total interceptions, his fewest since 2020.
In March 2023, the Miami Dolphins were all-in. They sent a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to the Rams for Ramsey. In his closing remarks, Grier underscored the fact that Ramsey never demanded a trade or asked for an increase in pay. This concern came out in the drafting debates over Ramsey’s likely trade.
“At the end of the day, Jalen never requested to be traded,” Grier said. He emphasized that the decision came after their own deep introspection and discussions, as well as dialogue with Ramsey and his camp.
“Really after a couple weeks of discussions between ourselves internally and Jalen and his representation, we decided that it was probably in the best interest for all parties to move forward,” – Chris Grier.
Grier made it clear that the Dolphins do not plan on going into a rebuilding phase with this possible trade. Rather, they would just be seeking to fill out their existing roster while still trying to stay competitive. The Dolphins possess the 13th overall pick in the 2025 draft and hold a total of ten draft picks, providing them with opportunities to strengthen their team.
The general manager acknowledged that any team willing to trade for Ramsey would be responsible for the remaining $21 million owed to him in 2025. The Dolphins have already paid Ramsey $4 million in a March 1 roster bonus, which was paid when the NFL’s league year began.
“We went through the process, and I just felt that after numerous conversations and then talking last week with Jalen and his agent, that it was best to move forward, and it was in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins and for Jalen Ramsey,” Grier said.
While Ramsey has shown flashes of brilliance on the field, Grier noted that this year is crucial for his performance and overall future with the Dolphins or any team he might join. The Dolphins’ front office is clear about their commitment to winning, as Grier stated, “Mike and I want to win probably more than you guys in here just to get you guys off our backs.”
Although talks are ongoing about Ramsey’s future, the Dolphins’ eyes are still set on the goals they’re establishing for next season. The possible trade would further illustrate their long term strategy of building a deep, talented roster with a strong balance sheet and math under metrics player performance continuum.
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