The Miami Dolphins appear to be headed for another roster shakeup involving one of the league’s top defensive backs. As the NFL Draft inches closer, rumors abound that Miami could move on from cornerback Jalen Ramsey just one year after trading for the seven-time Pro Bowler. The timing is not a coincidence — a pre-draft trade would allow the Dolphins to turn the return into immediate help.
While nothing is imminent, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that something is brewing. Miami’s roster has already taken some serious hits this offseason, and cornerback is dangerously thin. If they do move Ramsey, it opens up a void on the outside, but it could also give the front office some much-needed draft capital to reload quickly.
Miami Dolphins, Jalen Ramsey Mutually Exploring Options as NFL Draft Looms
Rapoport reported on April 15 that the Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey are “mutually set to explore trade options” and that it “wouldn’t be a surprise” if the All-Pro cornerback is playing elsewhere in 2025. The report added that, while no deadline exists, completing a deal before the NFL Draft would allow Miami to capitalize on any compensation immediately.
While there is no firm deadline on a possible trade, with the NFL Draft 9 days away, completing a trade prior to the draft would make sense — if only so Miami can use the pick or picks they would acquire for Ramsey. https://t.co/3d5xQJCmct
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2025
Ramsey is under contract through 2028 after signing a three-year, $72.3 million extension last offseason. His 2025 salary — $25.1 million fully guaranteed — is likely a sticking point in trade talks. At 30 years old and coming off a season where he wasn’t selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time since 2019, Ramsey still has value, but teams may balk at the price tag.
Originally a top-five pick out of Florida State, Ramsey built his résumé with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, earning three All-Pro nods and a Super Bowl ring before landing in Miami in 2023. He made an immediate impact, but injuries marred his time in the Magic City, and inconsistency across the roster derailed the Dolphins’ momentum. Miami went from playoff contenders to missing the postseason entirely in 2024.
Ramsey was sidelined for seven games during his first season in Miami, but played all 17 last season logging 11 passes defensed, 60 tackles, four tackles for loss and two interceptions.
With Terron Armstead retired and Jevon Holland, Robert Jones, and Calais Campbell signing elsewhere, the Dolphins are already in retooling mode. Cornerback depth is especially thin. Third-year cornerback Cam Smith, the No. 51 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, has yet to start a game, and there’s little proven talent behind him. Whether Ramsey is traded or not, the position is a clear priority entering the draft, where Miami holds the 13th and 48th overall picks.
Moving Ramsey won’t be easy, but for a team in transition, the Dolphins may decide it’s necessary.
Raiders, Commanders, Rams Fan Bases Pushing for Ramsey to Join Roster
If the Dolphins do move on from Jalen Ramsey, several teams could be in the mix — especially those with cap space, draft capital, and a win-now mindset. While nothing is official yet, three fan bases have been the loudest in pushing for their teams to land the seven-time Pro Bowler: The Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Rams.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders make a ton of sense from a roster and competitive standpoint. With Geno Smith now under center and All-Pro Brock Bowers in the mix, Las Vegas is trying to build a playoff-caliber roster. But their secondary is a glaring weakness — Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson are currently penciled in as starters at corner, which is far from ideal in the AFC West arms race. Ramsey would bring a physical veteran presence to a young secondary and immediately boost a defense that will want to improve upon its C- grade from 2024.
Washington Commanders
Coming off a surprising NFC Championship Game appearance, Washington is in an interesting spot. Franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels is on a rookie deal, which gives them the flexibility to make an aggressive move. The Commanders haven’t made many splashy additions this offseason, but adding a proven corner like Ramsey could help close the gap on Philadelphia and Dallas in the NFC East. He’d also give head coach Dan Quinn a versatile chess piece in the secondary — something he covets in his defensive schemes.
Los Angeles Rams
Don’t count out a possible reunion with the Rams, either. Ramsey played a key role during their Super Bowl run in 2021 and still has plenty of fans in the building. While Los Angeles isn’t flush with cap space, they’ve never been shy about making bold moves for veterans they trust. If the Dolphins are more focused on clearing cap space than maximizing compensation, the Rams could jump back into the mix, especially if Miami is willing to absorb part of Ramsey’s $25.1 million salary.