The Los Angeles Rams have been involved in various trade rumors both before and after the 2025 NFL Draft, during which they moved out of the first round — and that speculation continues. One frequently mentioned target in these scenarios is Jalen Ramsey, who remains a viable option.
Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro, played more than three seasons with the Rams and was instrumental in their Super Bowl win following the 2021 season. He was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2023.
However, a potential return to L.A. is complicated by financial factors.
“The Dolphins have indicated they’re open to trading Ramsey,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter on NFL Live on May 14. “While a deal can’t be officially made until after June 1 due to salary cap issues, an agreement could be reached beforehand and finalized once that date arrives.”
From our NFL Draft coverage: For a draft filled with Jalons, Jaylins, and Jalens, a discussion of the future of #Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey. pic.twitter.com/R76AVkQJUQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2025
Schefter added, “I believe a Ramsey trade will happen sometime in early June. There’s been more interest in him than many might expect.”
Ramsey signed a three-year, $72.3 million extension with Miami in September 2024, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the league in terms of average annual salary.
Despite a challenging stint in Miami — marked by multiple injuries since last season — his performance as a top-tier shutdown corner has been crucial for the Dolphins, according to NFL.com’s Michael Baca.
Nevertheless, Ramsey has been openly available on the trade market since at least mid-April.
Rams Interested in Jalen Ramsey Trade
The Rams haven’t hidden their communication with the Dolphins or their interest in potentially bringing Jalen Ramsey back through a trade. General manager Les Snead tried to temper the buzz by broadening the context.
“I’ve spoken with Miami. We’ve talked about getting past the draft first,” Snead said on April 22. “There are a lot of complexities with trades, contracts, and similar factors. So I’m not entirely sure where things stand right now. It’s kind of like entering a second phase of free agency—where you consult with your pro scouts and evaluate potential trades, including player-for-player deals. That’s part of the process.
“As for whether that specifically involves Miami and Jalen, I can’t say. We’re talking to a number of teams about different players, and I’ll keep those details internal.”
Where does Chris Harris Jr. want to see Jalen Ramsey next season? 👀
Rams
Ravens
Chargers@heykayadams | @ChrisHarrisJr pic.twitter.com/cfh4BpyxuP— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 6, 2025
Meanwhile, Rams head coach Sean McVay didn’t shy away from expressing admiration for Ramsey amid the rumors.
“He’s an outstanding player, and we know him very well—on and off the field,” McVay said on April 22. “You’d never rule out the chance to bring him back. Of course, there are several factors to work through with a player of his caliber and all that comes with that.
“You always have to consider the possibility of adding a true difference-maker who can impact the game in many ways.”
Logistics of a Jalen Ramsey Trade
According to Over The Cap, if the Dolphins trade Jalen Ramsey before June 1, they would face a $25.2 million dead cap charge, putting them $8.5 million over the cap. However, if they wait until after June 1, they’d still incur $6.7 million in dead money but would save $9.9 million in cap space.
“Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey’s contracts I thought were really weird last year. Not because they haven't been great players in their career, but because they had multiple years left on their deals and they're declining players.”
@GreggRosenthall on the Dolphins: pic.twitter.com/s4Zb5A8MFa
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) May 12, 2025
Ramsey’s contract includes a fully guaranteed $21 million salary, which any acquiring team—such as the Rams—would need to absorb, per Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti (as of April).
As of May 15, the Rams have $19.5 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. To make a deal work, they’d likely need to free up additional salary through trades or roster cuts. Moreover, they could face competition from other teams if interest in Ramsey heats up, potentially driving up the price if Adam Schefter’s report holds true.
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