In March 2023, the Miami Dolphins made a bold move by acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for tight end Hunter Long and a third-round draft pick. Expectations were high, but a torn meniscus in July delayed Ramsey’s debut until late October. Despite this setback, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel expressed deep admiration for the veteran, calling him one of his “top three favorite players of all time.”
However, the story has since taken a dramatic turn. The once-strong bond between Ramsey and McDaniel has reportedly deteriorated. FOX Sports’ Armando Salguero described their relationship as “irreparably broken,” and about a month ago, McDaniel announced that the team was actively exploring trade options for Ramsey.
Among the interested parties is Ramsey’s former team—the Rams. He spent three seasons in Los Angeles, where he was instrumental in helping the team win a Super Bowl. In that championship game, he recorded one solo tackle and broke up two passes against the San Francisco 49ers. A reunion, therefore, seems plausible.
Rams head coach Sean McVay added to the speculation by acknowledging ongoing communication with Ramsey. McVay praised Ramsey’s character and competitive spirit, calling him a “special competitor” and noting that they’ve kept in touch since the trade. His words hinted at a potential interest in bringing Ramsey back to Los Angeles.
However, McVay also pointed out that multiple teams are in discussions with Miami about a potential trade, and that Ramsey’s high-profile status brings significant complexity in terms of contract and trade compensation. “Those conversations are ongoing,” McVay said, “as I’m sure they are with multiple teams.”
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk echoed McVay’s sentiments, emphasizing that the Dolphins are likely negotiating with several teams to ensure they get the best possible return.
The list of suitors is not limited to the Rams—teams like the Raiders, Titans, or others could also be in the mix. The Dolphins appear to be weighing all options carefully, especially given the financial aspects tied to Ramsey’s contract.
Massive $24 Million Salary for 2025 Holding Things Up
Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, there was speculation that Ramsey would be moved. But the draft has come and gone, and he’s still a Dolphin. A big reason is his contract. In 2024, the Dolphins extended Ramsey on a three-year deal worth $72.3 million. He still has four years remaining on that deal.
For the 2025 season alone, Ramsey is set to earn $24 million. The Dolphins have already paid him a $4 million bonus, and his base salary sits at $1.2 million. That leaves over $21 million in salary the team would be liable for if they trade him.
If a trade happens before June 1, Miami would incur a nearly $25 million dead cap hit in 2025. However, if they wait until after June 1, that number drops to around $18 million—creating a roughly $10 million difference.
For any team looking to acquire Ramsey, they would need to absorb a contract worth about $21 million, after factoring in the bonus already paid by Miami.
Whether that team ends up being the Rams or someone else remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Miami is ready to make a move—if the right deal comes along.