The Los Angeles Rams are still looking to bolster their roster, and cornerback remains a key area of need—putting Miami Dolphins star Jalen Ramsey back in the trade rumor spotlight.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, while Ramsey—an experienced seven-time Pro Bowler, 2021 Super Bowl winner, and three-time All-Pro—isn’t the elite “blue-chip” player he once was, he could still be a valuable asset for the Rams.
Bowen identified the Rams as the top potential trade destination for Ramsey, citing the veteran’s speed and playmaking ability as upgrades for their secondary. “Ramsey can still match routes deep downfield and has excellent vision in zone coverage,” Bowen noted in a May 19 analysis. “He’d also give L.A. more versatility in sub-packages by playing inside as a nickel, where he can be disruptive.”
In 2024 with the Dolphins, Ramsey recorded 11 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 60 tackles (including 6 for loss), and 1 sack—showing he can still produce.
Bowen added that if the Rams want him back, the trade cost would likely be much lower than what they paid in 2019, when they sent two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder to the Jaguars. In contrast, the Dolphins gave up only a third-rounder and a depth player for him in 2023.
Former Coach Praises Jalen Ramsey’s IQ & Versatility
Former Rams assistant coach Ejiro Evero, now the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator, commended Ramsey’s versatility and football IQ.
His remarks align with Bowen’s view on how Ramsey would fit with the Rams if a trade happens.
“Jalen Ramsey is incredibly talented. What many don’t realize is how smart he is. He’s sharp on defensive alignments, understands quarterback mechanics and footwork, knows route concepts, and recognizes his role in the run game. We’ve deployed him in various positions—cornerback, nickel, dime linebacker—all within a single game, and he masters all those responsibilities,” Evero said in a statement shared on X on May 18.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with many great players in my career, but I’ve never encountered one with a higher football IQ than him.”
Evero’s praise serves as a reminder of the caliber Ramsey showed while with the Rams, reinforcing Bowen’s assessment and potentially boosting the Rams’ confidence in pursuing a trade.
Ramsey responded appreciatively to Evero’s praise.
“Been blessed to be around some of the best teammates & coaches,” Ramsey wrote on X on May 18 reacting to Evero’s words. “Coach E is one of those REAL ball coaches! He’ll be a head coach one day. Nothing but respect.”
Rams HC Sean McVay ‘Would Never’ Close Door on Jalen Ramsey Trade
The Rams have fueled speculation about a possible trade for Ramsey. Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke highly of Ramsey and said he wouldn’t dismiss the idea of bringing the cornerback back.
“He’s a great player. We know him very well; we know him intimately. You would certainly never rule out the possibility of that,” McVay told reporters in April. “There’s a lot of layers that would need to be worked out with a player of his magnitude, and some of the different things that accompany that.”
In an April press conference, Rams GM Les Snead mentioned that he had trade discussions with the Dolphins but didn’t specify if Ramsey was part of those talks. He also noted that trade conversations across the league were expected to increase after the draft.
On May 14, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on “NFL Live” that he anticipates a trade involving Ramsey, whether by the Rams or another team, will likely happen in “early June” because of Ramsey’s salary and the financial impact of moving him sooner.
Ramsey is in the final year of his five-year, \$100 million deal and has a three-year, \$72.3 million contract extension set to begin in 2026.
