Jalen Ramsey was traded to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, causing quite a stir in the NFL community. The former Los Angeles Rams cornerback will now join the Dolphins’ star-studded defense, which includes cornerback Xavien Howard, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, and defensive lineman Christian Wilkins.
Ramsey, a three-time first-team All-Pro, is still in his prime and will undoubtedly make a significant impact for the Dolphins. He will likely continue playing the “star” role for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who is the architect of the trendy two-high shell defense.
Ramsey played in a Fangio-like scheme with the Rams’ defensive coordinator Raheem Morris for the past two seasons and with Brandon Staley, the Chargers’ coach who called defensive plays for the Rams in 2020. Ramsey is expected to play various positions, including slot and outside cornerback.
The Dolphins traded a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long to acquire Ramsey, a move that shows their commitment to winning a Super Bowl. Adding Ramsey certainly makes them serious contenders in the AFC, while the Rams have cleared some salary cap space to make splash moves next year.
Ramsey had some leverage with the Rams determined to shed salary, and his contract gave him some say for his next landing spot. Teams were reportedly scared off by Ramsey’s salary demands, and had it not been a team Ramsey was excited to join, the money might have been more significant. Ramsey reportedly received an additional $25 million guaranteed from the Dolphins.
The Rams, who were looking to unload hefty contracts after a dreadful 5–12 season, were not aiming for a first-round pick in this phase of unloading contracts and repairing a top-heavy roster. The Rams reportedly fielded trade calls for quarterback Matthew Stafford, although Rams general manager Les Snead recently called Stafford a pillar of the team.
It’s unclear how Ramsey’s trade will affect the Rams in the long run, but it’s a significant move for the Dolphins. The team has taken over as the league’s most aggressive team with recent blockbuster trades for Ramsey, Chubb, and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
Ramsey against Hill in training camp will be a spectacle for Dolphins fans and beat reporters in the summer. However, before Dolphins GM Chris Grier replaces Snead as the president of the “Eff Them picks” club, he might need one more mega trade, such as one that involves a star quarterback.
In conclusion, the Rams didn’t get a first-round pick for a versatile star cornerback, but they cleared some salary cap space to make moves next year. Meanwhile, the Dolphins got a game-changer in Ramsey, which makes them serious contenders in the AFC. The trade shows that the Dolphins are committed to winning a Super Bowl and are willing to make bold moves to achieve that goal.
