The Miami Dolphins’ defense has consistently improved since head coach Mike McDaniel was hired in 2022. Unfortunately, those improvements haven’t led to postseason success. They lost in the wild-card round in the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Then, after missing the playoffs entirely in 2024, they decided to further strengthen their defense. That included drafting defensive tackles Kenneth Grant, Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers, as well as cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. and safety Dante Trader Jr. Still, the talk of possibly trading seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey has dominated the headlines.
Tyreek Hill Continues His Campaign To Keep Jalen Ramsey on the Dolphins
Most analysts agree that the Dolphins want to move the 30-year-old cornerback to free up the $16.7 million that counts toward their salary cap. If they can find a suitable partner, they can spread the dead cap hit over two years.
The situation remains fluid, with the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers emerging as possible trade partners. But if Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill has anything to say about it, the trade won’t happen.
Hill has been telling anyone and everyone who will listen that the Dolphins need to find a way to keep Ramsey in Miami. That includes a recent episode of “Glory Daze,” where Hill told host and former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel that he’s doing everything he can to make sure Ramsey is part of the 2025 season.
Hill said 2025 will be the team’s best season ever because McDaniel is bringing everyone together like never before. “I’m really hoping we sign Jalen Ramsey back because he’s a great leader on the defensive side of the ball. Just being able to do something special in Miami and win a playoff game after 25 years, I think that’s something that he doesn’t want to miss out on.”
If Hill somehow pulls off keeping Ramsey in Miami, it would be nothing short of a miracle. He’s not wrong about the team needing Ramsey, but things are rarely that simple. Beyond the cost of keeping him, there are other things to consider.
That includes Ramsey’s rumored fractured relationship with McDaniel. Reports suggest the two have had a breakdown in communication, leading to a lack of trust.
The Dolphins want to save money, but there are still questions about how much Ramsey is worth and what kind of return the team could get for him. He’s considered older and more expensive than many other cornerbacks.
He’s also coming off a season where his production noticeably declined. Some believe it says a lot that Miami signed him to a three-year, $72 million deal before the 2024 season and is already exploring ways to move on.
One thing is certain: few players talk more than Hill. The question is, will all his talking actually influence the Dolphins and Ramsey?