The Miami Dolphins appear close to trading cornerback Jalen Ramsey this offseason, with the question shifting from whether to when and where the move will happen. Recent reports highlight the Los Angeles Chargers as strong contenders to acquire Ramsey, driven by their defensive needs and salary cap flexibility.
According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, Ramsey’s trade has been anticipated for weeks, stemming from an unexpected split less than a year after Ramsey signed a lucrative contract extension with the Dolphins. Early signals suggest that Ramsey prefers a return to Los Angeles, where he previously thrived.
The Los Angeles Chargers stand out as a prime destination due to their readiness to invest draft capital and resources to strengthen the secondary under defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The Chargers currently hold more than $25 million in salary cap space for 2025, making a trade financially viable despite Ramsey’s hefty $16.7 million cap hit next season. Benjamin noted,
“Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins have basically been broadcasting the cornerback’s trade availability for weeks, anticipating a breakup less than one year after the two sides struck a lucrative contract extension,”
highlighting the status of the ongoing situation.
Ramsey, who inked a three-year, $72 million deal before last season, has a potential contract out after the 2025 campaign. The Chargers could therefore pursue him with a cautious approach regarding long-term commitments beyond that year.
Performance-wise, Ramsey contributed 60 combined tackles, including six tackles for loss, 11 pass defenses, and two interceptions in 2023, earning his seventh career Pro Bowl selection. Yet, questions remain about his future value given his age and contract scale.
Evaluating the Prospect of Ramsey Moving to the West Coast
The idea of Ramsey landing with the Chargers is not new. ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussed the possibility on The Pat McAfee Show on June 20, emphasizing Ramsey’s inclination to return to the West Coast, where he celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021-22 season. Schefter noted,
“I don’t know exactly when it’s gonna be, but Jalen Ramsey will get traded,”
and added,
“We’ll see how it shakes out, where he goes. I think he would like to go to the West Coast, to the Los Angeles Chargers, somewhere like that. And we’ll see how that happens.”
As training camp approaches, the Chargers’ current secondary starters include second-year cornerback Cam Hart, who started six games last season, and veteran free agent Donte Jackson. Jackson recently completed a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, achieving a career-best five interceptions but showcasing inconsistency overall. Adding Ramsey would significantly enhance the Chargers’ defensive backfield.
Potential for Ramsey’s Return to the Los Angeles Rams
Discussion continues around Ramsey’s preference to return to Los Angeles, a city where he spent three and a half seasons before being traded to Miami in 2023. The Rams’ involvement in trade talks complicates the Chargers’ chances of securing Ramsey, as they could become direct competitors.
Benjamin commented on the financial and tactical hesitations affecting all parties, explaining,
“It’s clear someone in the Ramsey trade sweepstakes is being stingy, be it Ramsey or the Dolphins or potential suitors, probably because of the financial toll attached to an aging, though accomplished, cover man,”
and added,
“And the Chargers have ultimately settled for more team-friendly gambles this offseason, leaving their Los Angeles counterparts, the Rams, as legitimate competition in trade talks.”
Ramsey would likely represent an upgrade over the Chargers’ current cornerback starters, though he missed the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie year. Turning 31 in October, questions arise about whether Ramsey’s 2025 salary will align with his on-field contributions.
The Rams’ interest could raise the asking price for the Dolphins, making any acquisition more costly. Conversely, it might discourage the Chargers from engaging in a bidding war they prefer to avoid.
In summary, while the Miami Dolphins appear ready to move on from Jalen Ramsey, the trade’s location remains uncertain, with the Chargers and Rams vying for his services. This situation underscores the financial and strategic balancing act teams must perform when pursuing high-profile, veteran defenders, especially those entering their 30s.