Back in 2023, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel had high praise for Jalen Ramsey, calling him one of his all-time favorite players and commending his dedication during injury recovery. Fast forward to 2025, and that bond appears shattered. According to FOX’s Armando Salguero, the relationship between McDaniel and Ramsey is now beyond repair.
Reports suggest that Ramsey and McDaniel no longer see eye-to-eye. Although Ramsey was still on the Dolphins roster at the end of the 2025 NFL Draft, signs indicated his time in Miami was nearing its end. A cryptic social media message from Ramsey hinted at discontent, while McDaniel’s post-draft comments avoided addressing their relationship directly. General Manager Chris Grier added fuel to the fire by confirming there was trade interest in Ramsey, solidifying that a split is inevitable.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Dolphins appear unwilling to take on any of Jalen Ramsey’s guaranteed money to facilitate a trade, per @JFowlerESPN
Teams are very interested in trading for Ramsey, but don’t want to take on his full contract. This is the current hold up. pic.twitter.com/OvLxiCl1NW
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 5, 2025
The main hurdle isn’t the conflict—it’s the money. Ramsey is set to earn $24 million in 2025, and although teams are interested, they’re reluctant to absorb that entire salary. Miami already paid him a $4 million bonus this offseason, and the front office is now contemplating whether to absorb more of the financial burden to get a trade done. This wouldn’t be the first time for Miami; they did something similar with Ryan Tannehill in 2019, trading him away while covering part of his contract.
Ramsey has had prior coach clashes, notably with Doug Marrone in Jacksonville in 2019. But this situation feels deeper. At 30, Ramsey is chasing wins and may be losing patience with McDaniel’s lighthearted, player-first leadership style—an approach that might not resonate as well with veterans anymore. Some believe Ramsey could be just the first of several players to voice concerns.
Both sides seem ready to part ways. However, the financial complications are slowing the process. One team that could offer a solution? The Los Angeles Rams.
The Rams know Ramsey’s value firsthand. He was a cornerstone of their Super Bowl LVI defense. Even though he’s now 31, Ramsey remains a reliable presence in the secondary. While he’s no longer expected to carry a defense on his own, he can offer veteran leadership and stabilize a young unit.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has previously spoken positively about Ramsey and their past working relationship. There’s speculation that Los Angeles has already been in talks with Miami regarding a potential reunion.
If the Rams are serious about complementing their young roster with a veteran presence, bringing Ramsey back might be a strategic move. The real question is whether they’re willing—and able—to handle the financial implications of the deal.