Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier announced Tuesday the team is actively shopping star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. This comes after weeks of internal discussions and is a big moment in the offseason.
Why Are the Dolphins Cutting Ties with Jalen Ramsey?
Grier said Ramsey didn’t ask for a trade or a new contract, so this isn’t about player dissatisfaction. It’s a calculated move to help the team long term.
“After several weeks of talking to Jalen and his reps, we feel this is best for everyone,” Grier said. “These are never easy decisions but at the end of the day it’s about giving the Dolphins the best chance to win—not just this year but in the future.”
The Dolphins see trading Ramsey as an opportunity to address other needs and develop young talent in the secondary. Despite being a 3x All-Pro and 7x Pro Bowler, they feel the roster can still win without him.
Who Steps Up in the Secondary Without Ramsey?
With Ramsey potentially gone, the Dolphins will be counting on their depth at cornerback. Kader Kohou will be the starting slot corner, but Grier said Kohou can play inside and out.
Free agent Artie Burns adds veteran presence, Ethan Bonner, Storm Duck and Jason Maitre provide depth. But the wild card is Cam Smith, a second round pick who has yet to really establish himself in the NFL.
“Cam Smith has to step up this year,” Grier said. “He’s shown flashes but this is a big year for him. We can’t wait any longer – he has to stay healthy and be consistent.”
Smith played sparingly last year as a rookie in 2023, mostly on special teams. Now with the spotlight on him, the pressure is on to prove he can handle more.
What About the Draft? Can Miami Rebuild Its Secondary Quickly?
The Dolphins have the 13th overall pick and 9 other picks in this year’s draft. Grier said he’s open to trading down if the right offer comes along, but he’s not trading Tyreek Hill unless it’s for 2 1st round picks.
“We’re trying to win now,” Grier said. “This isn’t a rebuild by any means. We have plenty of talent on this roster who can make an impact.”
Miami’s focus is on the defense, especially the secondary. With $21 million left on Ramsey’s contract for 2025, finding a trade partner to take that cap hit may take time, but it also presents an opportunity to get assets in return.
Owner Stephen Ross Backs Front Office Amid Changes
After the Dolphins’ 8-9 season last year, owner Stephen Ross publicly stated that both Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel would be back for 2025. In that statement, Ross said improvement was key, and he wanted to move beyond mediocre.
Grier said there were no ultimatums from ownership regarding job security. “Mike and I want to win more than anyone,” he said. “But in the NFL even the best coaches get criticized. You just have to tune out the noise and keep working.”
Ramsey’s Miami Legacy
Since being traded to the Dolphins in March 2023 from the Los Angeles Rams, Ramsey has been the defense. He made the Pro Bowl in his first year with the team after missing 7 games and followed that up with another good year in 2024 with 11 pass breakups and 2 interceptions.
But his play has dropped off a bit from previous years, and now the question is, does the investment in him fit with where the Dolphins are going? Trading Ramsey allows the Dolphins to pivot to younger, cheaper options and get draft capital back.