Jalen Ramsey has been the center of trade discussions this offseason after mutually agreeing with the Miami Dolphins in April to explore possible trade options. Although he was available for trade since before the NFL draft and has been on the market for 28 days, Ramsey remains on the Dolphins’ roster amid ongoing speculation.
The primary reason behind his continued presence is the hesitation from NFL teams, despite apparent interest. Several fans and insiders have debated the obstacles preventing a deal from materializing, focusing on Ramsey’s contract, attitude concerns, and overall value at this stage of his career.
Fan and Analyst Perspectives on Trade Challenges
Dolphins insider Omar Kelly provided updates on Ramsey’s trade status, sparking widespread reactions from fans. Many pointed to the cornerback’s large contract and perceived decline as key deterrents. One fan remarked,
“Because nobody wants a washed up corner with a bad attitude making elite cornerback money? Seems pretty obvious why,” —fan
Others echoed concerns about contract leverage and locker room implications. As another fan commented,
“Bc he’s a declining asset with a bad contract and the Dolphins blew all leverage at a press conference?,” —fan
Additional opinions suggested that potential acquiring teams might fear Ramsey’s presence as a locker room issue or question how Miami’s financial contributions factor into the trade price, highlighted by the statement,
“Could be no team wants a player that could be a problem in the locker room or an issue of how much Miami is going to pay him so he can be traded,” —fan
Some fans pointed out that Ramsey’s high salary demands and the compensation required by the Dolphins remain significant barriers. Comments included,
“He’s expensive and requires compensation…,” —fan
and
“No rush, but he’s gotta be gone before camp tho, correct?,” —fan
There was also skepticism about the trade’s likelihood, with one user predicting Ramsey might stay in Miami, stating,
“I’ve been saying it all along, smoke screens, I bet he stays,” —fan
Trade History and Recent Performance Details
The Dolphins acquired Ramsey following his Super Bowl victory with the LA Rams after the 2021 season, trading a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to secure the cornerback. In the previous campaign, Ramsey contributed 60 tackles, one sack, and two interceptions over 17 games, but Miami finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Ramsey originally entered the NFL as a first-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 before being traded to the Rams in October 2019. Despite his accomplishments, which include seven Pro Bowl selections, his future with the Dolphins remains uncertain as the offseason trade discussions continue.
Rams Coach Sean McVay Comments on Potential Ramsey Trade
LA Rams head coach Sean McVay addressed rumors about the team possibly reacquiring Ramsey last week. McVay acknowledged that while they maintain an open mind about adding talented players like Ramsey, logistical obstacles exist. He said,
“Usually, those are scenarios and situations that you have to have plans in place prior to executing some of the decisions that have occurred,” —Sean McVay, Rams Head Coach
“Definitely don’t want to rule anything out because we’re always open-minded to onboarding and acquiring quality players and people like him, if we’re able to do that, but there would be some obstacles that are real that are in the place of maybe preventing that from occurring.” —Sean McVay, Rams Head Coach
These comments suggest that while the Rams have interest, complex challenges could prevent a trade from happening immediately or at all during this offseason.
Contractual Factors Complicate Trade Prospects
One major complication in any trade involving Jalen Ramsey is his contract situation. Ramsey has four years remaining on his deal with the Dolphins, including a three-year, $72.3 million extension signed just before the 2024 season. This substantial financial commitment makes it more difficult for teams to assume his contract without significant negotiations or incentives from Miami.
The contract size, combined with concerns about Ramsey’s current value and behavior perception among teams, contributes to a cautious landscape in which NFL franchises hesitate to pursue him aggressively. This dynamic helps explain why, despite trade interest, no agreement has been reached after nearly a month of market availability.
What Lies Ahead for Ramsey and the Dolphins?
As training camp approaches, pressure will increase for the Dolphins to finalize Ramsey’s status, whether that means completing a trade or retaining him for the upcoming season. His presence affects the team’s defensive plans and salary cap management, while also influencing locker room chemistry.
For NFL teams, the decision to engage in a trade will require balancing Ramsey’s proven talent with the risks of his contract size and perceived attitude issues. Until those concerns are resolved or mitigated, the Jalen Ramsey Dolphins trade update indicates that any movement will remain uncertain, keeping fans and analysts watching closely.