The Miami Dolphins and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey reportedly may be set to part ways this offseason.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Ramsey and the Dolphins are “mutually set to explore trade options,” which could result in the veteran defensive back playing elsewhere in 2025.
Ramsey, 30, is signed through 2028 after inking a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension with Miami last year. He is set to make $25.1 million in fully guaranteed money this coming season.
Originally the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft out of Florida State, Ramsey spent parts of his first four NFL seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by parts of four campaigns with the Los Angeles Rams.
Prior to getting traded to Miami in 2023, Ramsey was a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team All-Pro, plus he helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2021.
The Dolphins acquired Ramsey with the hope that he could get them over the top by winning the AFC East and contending for a Super Bowl.
In his first season in Miami, Ramsey was selected to his seventh career Pro Bowl by virtue of recording 22 tackles, three interceptions and five passes defended despite missing seven games due to injury.
The Dolphins also reached the playoffs that season, although they were beaten decisively by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.
Last season, Ramsey managed to start all 17 games, finishing with 60 tackles, two picks and 11 passes defended, but he was not chosen for the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie season in 2016.
Additionally, the Dolphins finished just 8-9 and missed the playoffs, representing a huge step back from 2023 when they fell just one game short of knocking the Buffalo Bills from their perch in the AFC East.
The Dolphins have lost several key players over the past two offseasons, including defensive lineman Christin Wilkins, guard Robert Hunt and and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel last year.
So far this offseason, offensive tackle Terron Armstead retired, while safety Jevon Holland, guard Robert Jones and defensive lineman Calais Campbell have signed elsewhere in free agency.
The Dolphins are also already short at the cornerback position, and trading Ramsey would leave them with little to speak of on the boundary.
Cam Smith, a 2023 second-round pick, has neither started a game nor recorded an interception over his two NFL seasons. Also, Storm Duck has made only three starts, while Ethan Bonner, Isaiah Johnson and Ryan Cooper have made none.
While perhaps better served as a nickel corner, veteran Artie Burns could kick outside with his 39 games of starting experience, especially since Kader Kohou is seemingly locked in as the starter in the slot.
Whether the Dolphins trade Ramsey or not, cornerback figures to be an area of focus early in next week’s 2025 NFL draft.
Trading Ramsey could also potentially get the Dolphins some more ammo in the draft, although the compensation may not be significant given Ramsey’s contract and the fact that he is now over 30 years of age.
Regardless, Miami holds the No. 13 overall pick in the first round and No. 48 overall selection in the second round, and it won’t be at all surprising if at least one of those choices are spent on a corner.