Jalen Ramsey’s tenure with the Miami Dolphins is nearing a close as both sides have agreed to seek a trade following months of speculation and strained relations. The three-time All-Pro cornerback has intensified rumors with cryptic social media posts, signaling his desire for a fresh start.
While Miami initially hoped to finalize a deal before the NFL Draft, it was believed that the decision to save nearly $6 million in cap space by waiting until after June 1 had delayed any moves.
As the month of June nears its end, no action has yet taken place. With training camp approaching and Ramsey openly favoring a return to the West Coast, particularly Los Angeles, the Dolphins are expected to accelerate trade talks in the coming weeks.
Trade Destinations for Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey, 30, remains one of the league’s most versatile and effective cornerbacks, starting all 17 games last season and bringing leadership and championship pedigree to any secondary. As the post-draft landscape shifts and teams reassess their needs, here are five franchises that make the most sense as trade destinations for Ramsey.
Los Angeles Rams
A reunion is in play, with coach Sean McVay acknowledging the Rams “haven’t closed the door” on bringing Ramsey back. The Rams are Super Bowl contenders and need help at cornerback. Ramsey won a title in L.A. and remains a fan favorite.
The Rams are widely seen as a top fit for Ramsey if the Dolphins trade him. Ramsey spent four seasons in Los Angeles, earning multiple Pro Bowl nods and helping the Rams win a Super Bowl.
The franchise is familiar with his skill set and leadership, and their secondary struggled last season, ranking 26th in passing yards allowed. Bringing Ramsey back would immediately upgrade a thin cornerback group. However, the major obstacle is his contract – over $20 million guaranteed for 2025 – which the Rams must navigate to make a deal possible.
Los Angeles Chargers
Ramsey reportedly prefers a West Coast destination, and the Chargers are one of his two top choices. The Chargers have been monitoring his situation and could use a proven veteran to anchor their secondary.
With Ramsey’s desire to play for a contender and remain in a comfortable location, the Chargers check both boxes. The team has the cap space and playoff aspirations that align with Ramsey’s priorities but, as of now, no official offer has been made.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have emerged as a potential dark horse. Miami’s willingness to eat part of Ramsey’s contract could make a deal feasible for Pittsburgh, possibly for a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
Adding Ramsey to a secondary already featuring Joey Porter Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick would create one of the league’s strongest defensive backfields. However, the financial aspect remains a significant hurdle, as it does for all interested teams.
Teams Mentioned in Speculation But Less Likely
Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons:
While these teams have needs at cornerback and could benefit from Ramsey’s presence, current reporting suggests Ramsey is focused on West Coast contenders, specifically the Rams and Chargers.
There is no credible indication that Dallas, Minnesota, Kansas City, or Atlanta are among his preferred or likely destinations at this time.
Ramsey is signed through 2028 and is owed $25.1 million in 2025, though any team acquiring him would be responsible for about $21 million this season after Miami’s signing bonus payment. The Dolphins were widely expected to execute a trade after June 1 to minimize their cap hit, with several teams reportedly inquiring about the star cornerback.
While the Dolphins and Ramsey have enjoyed a productive partnership, Miami’s cap situation and a soft rebuild make a trade likely in the coming weeks. As Ramsey himself wrote, “a new chapter awaits” – and several contenders are lining up to turn the page with one of the NFL’s elite defensive backs.