It’s looking more and more like seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins are headed for a split. According to multiple reports, the Dolphins and Ramsey are exploring trade options for the 2025 season.
With $25.1 million guaranteed for next season on the books, moving Ramsey would have profound financial implications for the Dolphins. But beyond the trade talk, one former NFL cornerback believes Ramsey’s next chapter might be better suited if the dynamic defensive back shifted to the safety position on a full-time basis for his new team.
Dolphins Shopping Jalen Ramsey as Former NFL Star Recommends Move to Safety
According to a report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Ramsey and the Dolphins are pursuing trade options ahead of the draft. In response, former four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Asante Samuel has weighed in on Ramsey’s future.
While many are focused on the ultimate trade destination, Samuel believes Ramsey should strongly consider shifting positions wherever he lands.
“He may not agree with me, but I bet he would be more productive at safety at this point in his career,” Samuel said on his X account. “His numbers will be crazy. Thank me later.”
He may not agree with me but I bet he would be more productive at safety at this point in his career
His numbers will be crazy. Thank me later https://t.co/mCJamQ8HIx
— Asante Samuel (@pick_six22) April 15, 2025
Samuel knows a thing or two about playing cornerback at an elite level. He finished his career with 51 interceptions and six touchdowns. Also, there are numerous examples of aging cornerbacks making successful transitions to safety on the back nine of their careers.
NFL Hall of Famers, such as Charles Woodson, Rod Woodson, and Aeneas Williams, made full-time moves to safety after spending most of their careers as elite cover corners.
However, Samuel is probably right that Ramsey wouldn’t agree with his take. Ramsey recently turned 30, and the three Hall of Famers previously mentioned all made the transition to safety in their mid-thirties.
Roster Bonus, Dead Cap Make Ramsey Trade a Costly Decision
A potential Ramsey deal is a bit more complicated strictly from a financial standpoint. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Miami is in for severe financial strain if they move the defensive back before June 1. Ramsey agreed to a three-year deal worth $72.3 million with the Dolphins after the 2022 season.
“A trade will have significant consequences,” Florio said. “Based on the terms of his contract from last year — and the existing proration from the prior deal — a trade before June 1 will trigger a $25.213 million dead-money charge. After June 1, a trade would split the dead money into $6.745 million in 2025 and $18.468 million in 2026.
“Ramsey has already received a $4 million roster bonus on March 16. The best time to trade him would have been before that bill came due.”
Ramsey has 24 career interceptions in nine seasons and won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021.