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Tag: Jalen Ramsey trade

  • Las Vegas Eyes Dolphins $72 Million Star as Their ‘Missing Piece’

    Las Vegas Eyes Dolphins $72 Million Star as Their ‘Missing Piece’

    As the NFL’s mandatory minicamp period continues, one of the more notable absences belongs to Jalen Ramsey — and it’s not because of injury or holdout. The Miami Dolphins have excused him from activities as they work toward what appears to be an inevitable trade.

    Ramsey, who inked a three-year, $72.3 million extension just last year, has become a casualty of Miami’s shifting defensive priorities. With the Dolphins looking to move on from his hefty contract, several teams have shown interest, but none appear as financially capable or strategically aligned as the Las Vegas Raiders.

    According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, Las Vegas could be a strong contender in the race to land the seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback, potentially offering a 2026 fifth-round pick in return.

    Why Is Miami Looking to Move On?

    Jalen Ramsey remains one of the most talented cornerbacks in the league — when he’s on the field.

    But at 30 years old and coming off a season where injuries limited his impact, the Dolphins are pivoting toward a younger, more cost-effective approach to their secondary.

    Miami GM Chris Grier has been upfront about wanting to explore trade options for Ramsey, though the financial logistics remain tricky. Any team taking on his deal must absorb a significant portion of the remaining salary — something only a few clubs can afford.

    That’s where the Raiders come in.

    How Can the Raiders Afford It?

    Las Vegas currently sits with over $36 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, making them one of the few teams in the league with the flexibility to take on Ramsey’s contract without major restructuring.

    While the Raiders aren’t necessarily viewed as contenders right now, head coach Pete Carroll has made it clear that building a physical, aggressive defense is a top priority. Ramsey fits that vision perfectly.

    Carroll, known for his affinity for elite defensive talent during his time at USC and with the Seattle Seahawks, would get a chance to reunite with a player who still brings elite coverage skills and leadership to the back end.

    Potential Trade Scenarios

    A possible deal between the Dolphins and Raiders could look like this:

    • Dolphins receive: A mid-to-late round draft pick (likely 2026)
    • Raiders receive: Jalen Ramsey
    • Cap relief: Dolphins reduce financial burden; Raiders restructure or prorate Ramsey’s deal to spread out cap hit

    It’s unlikely that Miami will get full value in return given Ramsey’s age and recent injury history, but a trade partner willing to take on salary makes this feasible.

    What Ramsey Brings to Las Vegas

    Even in his early 30s, Ramsey remains a game-changing defender. His ability to shut down opposing No. 1 receivers, combined with his leadership and competitive fire, makes him a natural fit for a Raiders team trying to build identity under Carroll.

    Las Vegas struggled defensively last season, finishing near the bottom of the league in several key categories. Adding a player like Ramsey instantly elevates the unit and gives young corners like Nate Hobbs someone to learn from.

    There’s also the intangible factor — Ramsey brings intensity, swagger, and a winning mindset that could help shift the culture in the locker room.

    Could a Rams Reunion Happen Instead?

    Of course, the Los Angeles Rams remain a name tied to Ramsey, especially considering his successful tenure there before being traded to Miami in 2019.

    Rams head coach Sean McVay hasn’t ruled out a reunion, and it would make sense from a football perspective. But unless the Rams are willing to offer significantly more draft capital than Las Vegas, a deal with the Raiders seems more likely.

    Los Angeles isn’t in a great cap position compared to Las Vegas, and any deal would require creative restructuring or cap casualties — something they may not be ready to do yet.

    Final Thoughts: A Logical Fit

    If the Raiders pull the trigger on acquiring Jalen Ramsey, it won’t be about instant gratification — it’ll be about building a foundation for the future.

    Yes, Ramsey is aging and expensive, but his presence could help elevate a struggling defense and provide mentorship for younger players. For Las Vegas, this could be the kind of splash move that signals real progress under new leadership.

    For Miami, it’s a necessary step in moving forward with a fresh direction.

    Only time will tell if the deal gets done, but for now, the Raiders appear to be the most logical landing spot for a star whose legacy isn’t finished just yet.

  • Is Miami Giving Up on Building a Better Defense? No Move for Jaire Alexander

    Is Miami Giving Up on Building a Better Defense? No Move for Jaire Alexander

    In the NFL, defensive depth can be the difference between making the playoffs and not. For the Miami Dolphins, that reality has become more and more concerning as they’ve decided not to pursue one of the top available cornerbacks, Jaire Alexander.

    After the expected departure of Jalen Ramsey, Miami has made no effort to sign Alexander who was just released by the Green Bay Packers. And they didn’t even try to trade for Ramsey before he left.

    At first glance it looks like a big mistake in a critical area of roster building.

    A Missed Opportunity?

    Jaire Alexander may have battled injuries the last few years but when healthy he’s one of the most explosive and shutdown corners in the game.

    Since 2021 Alexander has played in 34 of 68 games, missing significant time due to knee issues. In 2023 he played only 9 games before surgery, adding to the durability concerns.

    Still he has a track record — All-Pro and elite coverage stats — and many teams were expected to line up for his services.

    So why isn’t Miami one of them?

    It’s a question that’s got fans and analysts scratching their heads. With Ramsey likely to be traded and the current cornerback depth chart featuring Storm Duck and unproven draft picks Cam Smith and Jason Marshall Jr., there’s a real risk of going into the 2025 season with a weak back end.

    The Cornerback Conundrum

    The Dolphins secondary was already under the microscope after a shaky 2024 season. Now with Ramsey likely to be traded the pressure to find a replacement should be huge.

    Instead Miami is counting on internal development and depth players who haven’t proven they can start consistently.

    While optimism around young talent is understandable, relying solely on untested players could be disastrous especially in a division with high powered offenses like Buffalo and New England.

    Alexander would’ve brought experience and playmaking ability that’s not in the current group.

    Risk vs. Reward: Why Miami Might Be Staying Away

    There’s no doubt Alexander comes with risk, mainly his injury history. But in today’s NFL taking calculated risks on former stars is part of the rebuild process.The Rams, Eagles and even the Bears have taken similar risks in recent years — some panned out big, others didn’t. But they made moves.

    By sitting this one out Miami is getting left behind.

    Some in the organization might think:

    • Their scheme doesn’t fit Alexander’s skills.
    • Investing in a player with his injury history isn’t worth the cap space.
    • They’re going a different direction — maybe through the draft or mid-tier free agents.

    But with no public plan B in sight it’s hard to see how this helps the team in the short term.

    What This Says About Miami’s Strategy?

    If the Dolphins want to be in the AFC they can’t ignore holes in their defense especially not at a premium position like cornerback.

    Passing on Alexander raises questions if they are going for short term fixes or long term solutions.

    Are they out of the “win now” mode that defined the team under Brian Flores and Mike McDaniel?

    Or are they just waiting for the right deal to come along?

    Either way being silent while a solution like Alexander goes unaddressed is a big risk — one that could cost them big if the season starts with a shaky secondary.

    What’s Next for the Dolphins?

    As training camp approaches, the Dolphins will need to either:

    • Their plan doesn’t fit Alexander.
    • Investing in a player with that injury history isn’t worth the cap space.
    • They’re going a different direction — maybe through the draft or mid-tier free agents.

    But without a public plan B, it’s hard to see how this serves the team well short term.

    What This Means About Miami’s Plan?

    If the Dolphins want to compete in the AFC, they can’t ignore holes in their defense, especially not at a premium position like corner.

    Passing on Alexander raises questions about whether they’re going for short term fixes or just long term sustainability.

    Are they getting away from the “win now” mindset of the Flores/McDaniel era?

    Or are they just waiting for the right deal to come along?

    Either way, staying silent while a solution like Alexander goes unaddressed is a risky move — one that could cost them dearly if the season starts with a shaky secondary.

    What’s Next for the Dolphins?

    As training camp approaches, they’ll need to:

    • Reveal a cornerback plan featuring internal candidates.
    • Make a late push for Alexander or another veteran.
    • Target a trade or undervalued free agent.

    If none of those happen, they’ll enter Week 1 with a defense that’s not playoff ready, and that’s a bad situation in a conference with so many explosive offenses.

    Final Thoughts: Are They Giving Up?

    Not passing on Jaire Alexander doesn’t mean the Dolphins are throwing in the towel on 2025.

    But it does mean they’re not addressing a critical weakness — and that’s something fans shouldn’t ignore.

    Whether it’s a financial miscalculation, a philosophical shift, or a temporary pause before a bigger move, only time will tell.

    But if they don’t plug the cornerback hole soon, they may not just lose games — they’ll lose the fanbase.

  • Dolphins Eye $72M Deal to Send Jalen Ramsey to Chargers

    Dolphins Eye $72M Deal to Send Jalen Ramsey to Chargers

    The Miami Dolphins are talking trade with star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is due $24 million in 2023. They don’t want to take on any guaranteed money and talks have stalled despite interest from other teams.

    The Los Angeles Chargers emerged as the top suitor recently with $26 million in cap space. The trade could be done in June pending financials.

    By the Numbers

    • Jalen Ramsey is due $24 million in 2023, $16 million in 2025 and $25 million in 2026.
    • Los Angeles Chargers have $26 million in free cap space.
    • Other teams are interested but may not want to take on his full contract.

    Yes, But…

    Dolphins are hesitant on Ramsey’s guaranteed money and that’s causing the hold up. Chargers can handle his salary but the financial structure of the trade is the issue.

    Other teams are interested but the Dolphins are weighing the long term implications of moving one of their top defenders. They want to get maximum value for Ramsey especially after he was acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in a blockbuster deal that included a 3rd round pick and tight end Hunter Long.

    State of Play

    Trade talks on Jalen Ramsey are heating up as the June 1 deadline approaches. Dolphins are not committing to Ramsey’s financial obligations while teams are looking to make a trade.

    With cap constraints and contract limitations the Dolphins are looking for a trade partner that can take on Ramsey’s salary without overpaying. Chargers appear to be the best option but the final terms are still being worked out.

    What’s Next?

    Expect updates on Ramsey’s trade status in June if the Dolphins can get favorable financial terms.

    Chargers may pursue Ramsey if they can figure out the cap implications. With Tom Telesco’s track record of making smart moves it’s possible they can pull off a high value trade with Ramsey.But the Dolphins are also looking elsewhere so we’ll see if this is the final stop for the All-Pro corner.

    The Bottom Line

    Jalen Ramsey’s fate is up in the air as the Dolphins have to weigh their financial options vs trading him. The Chargers interest means the trade talks may be coming to an end and will change the financial dynamics for both teams.

    If it happens it will be a big change in the NFC East and AFC West and Ramsey could be joining a young and rising defense in LA.

  • Where Does Jalen Ramsey Stand with the Dolphins?

    Where Does Jalen Ramsey Stand with the Dolphins?

    Jalen Ramsey is still a Miami Dolphin as they enter the final phase of their offseason program. GM Chris Grier said they’ve explored trade options for Ramsey but it’s clear any move will happen after June 1 due to salary cap reasons.

    The Dolphins are just days away from that date, and while a trade seems inevitable, nothing is set in stone yet.

    Why Trading Ramsey Is Easier Said Than Done?

    Ramsey’s $21 million guaranteed for 2025 and his age (he turns 31 in October) make him a tough sell for teams looking to get him. Unless the Dolphins are willing to eat some of his salary, the market for Ramsey will be limited.

    Chris Grier didn’t rule out Ramsey being on the roster for 2025, but it’s hard to see that happening.

    Adding fuel to the fire, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s recent comments seemed to suggest he isn’t banking on having Ramsey back next season. Meanwhile, Ramsey himself has been unusually quiet on social media since posting an Instagram photo of a rotting orange next to a rotten one—a cryptic hint at his feelings about the situation.

    Who Could Want Him?

    Trading a 30-year-old cornerback with a hefty salary tag isn’t easy, especially when he’s considered high-maintenance and comes with off-field baggage. Still, there are teams that might see value in his talent:

    • Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay has expressed interest in bringing Ramsey back, though logistical hurdles remain.
    • Dallas Cowboys: Seen by some as a possible suitor, although local reporters have pushed back on that idea.
    • Washington Commanders: A young team looking to build fast — maybe a fit?
    • Carolina Panthers: New DC Ejiro Evero worked well with Ramsey in L.A., but Carolina might not be ready to contend yet.
    • Philadelphia Eagles: There’s history here, but with Vic Fangio gone and new draft picks taking shape, it seems unlikely.

    The bottom line? There’s interest, but not a ton of urgency. And any team acquiring Ramsey would need to know he actually wants to be there — otherwise, it could become a distraction.

    What’s the Realistic Value?

    Back in 2023, the Dolphins gave up a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to acquire Ramsey from the Rams. That trade looked good at the time — especially considering Los Angeles got two first-round picks from Jacksonville for him.

    But now, with Ramsey older, more expensive, and coming off a reported “disgruntled” label, his trade value has dropped significantly. The Dolphins would likely be lucky to get back something close to what they gave up — not what the Rams received.

    His contract doesn’t help either. He’s owed $24.2 million in 2025, almost all of it guaranteed. That makes it hard for teams to absorb unless Miami is willing to take on part of the salary — something Grier hasn’t ruled out.

    What Happens After June 1?

    This is the big question. Once we hit June 1, the Dolphins will have more cap flexibility, and the pressure to make a move increases. Expect the rumor mill to heat up again — and for fans to brace themselves for more drama.

    There’s still a slim chance Ramsey ends up staying — Grier didn’t completely shut that door — but given everything that’s happened, it feels increasingly unlikely.

    Either way, this saga won’t drag on forever. Whether it ends with a trade, a release (unlikely due to guarantees), or a reluctant reunion, we’ll know more soon.