While the 2025 NFL Draft included plenty of twists and turns, one anticipated deal never materialized.
Two weeks after mutually agreeing to seek a trade, Jalen Ramsey remains employed by the Miami Dolphins. General manager Chris Grier maintained the team is still evaluating the market for Ramsey after the draft, but the fact that the Dolphins weren't able to move him before or during it means they missed an opportunity to recoup some instant draft capital.
With 2025 picks now off the table, the market for a return on Ramsey is weaker. Because of the structure of Ramsey's contract -- which would clear nearly $10 million in cap space in a post-June 1 trade -- it also makes more sense for the Dolphins to wait until after June 1 to complete a deal, giving us time to ponder where the seven-time Pro Bowler might land.
While there's been some chatter about a potential reunion with the Los Angeles Rams, I think their current composition at the position is good enough that they don't need to take on additional commitments -- like a cornerback whose cap number rises substantially in 2026.
Here are four teams (and one wild-card option) that could be welcoming the 30-year-old three-time All-Pro to their clubs this summer:
After injuries ravaged its secondary in 2023, Baltimore has routinely attempted to add depth to the group over the last two offseasons. Last year, the Ravens drafted Nate Wiggins near the end of the first round. This year, they added Chidobe Awuzie in free agency and drafted Robert Longerbeam in the sixth round. Although Baltimore's CB room might seem crowded, if there's any team that consistently kicks the tires on known veterans looking to chase a ring, it's the Ravens. The financial side might not work out, but adding Ramsey would fit with the franchise's tendency to welcome in proven players who have the chance to make an instant impact -- and further strengthen a roster that is already expected to contend for a title.
Tampa Bay has had a remarkably productive offseason for a defending division champion, adding young talent to the offense while retaining Lavonte David and welcoming in key veterans on the defensive side in free agency. A quick scan of the Bucs' depth chart reveals one area in which they could use some more help: the secondary, where Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield reside as their best defenders. Sure, they have young talent at corner; Tykee Smith flashed last season and Zyon McCollum is ascending. Plus, the Bucs did invest two high picks on the position in April's draft (Benjamin Morrison, Round 2; Jacob Parrish, Round 3). So it's fair to say the Bucs could probably use more help at safety than at corner, and considering Ramsey has previously expressed interest in making that position transition, Tampa might be the perfect place for him to find a valued role with a contender.
Arizona has spent lavishly this offseason, adding the likes of Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson -- plus drafting defensive tackle Walter Nolen at No. 16 overall last week -- to its roster with the hope the new acquisitions will help Jonathan Gannon's defense propel the Cardinals to a legitimate playoff run. With $32 million in cap space still available to use in 2025, Arizona has the financial flexibility to bring in more recognizable names. What better way to elevate this formerly anonymous unit to a higher level than by acquiring Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler who could fit in opposite Sean Murphy-Bunting and add depth to the young secondary? Trading for Ramsey would signal the Cardinals are serious about contending in 2025, a crucial season for Gannon, who is entering his third campaign as coach. In a division that includes the Rams, Seahawks and 49ers, it's worth exploring.
The vibes are high in the desert after the Raiders' new regime answered their need at quarterback, by trading for Geno Smith, and then selected Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the 2025 draft. I'll always get on board with an afterthought attempting to right the ship in one offseason, but I'd be remiss to not point out the Raiders defense looks a little worse than it did a year ago. It would be ideal, then, to reverse that momentum on the defensive side by swinging a deal for a household name like Ramsey, who would look excellent in Silver and Black and instantly provide the Raiders with a respected cornerback in a secondary that could use some intimidation. With the second-most cap space available in the NFL right now (at $42.3 million, per Over The Cap), the Raiders have the financial power to get it done, too.
There's always a chance a trade never happens, and while the Dolphins' honesty about their interest in moving Ramsey suggests it might be inevitable, such deals are never guaranteed. If Miami finds the interest in Ramsey (and the compensation offered) is subpar, it might choose to mend fences and keep him for 2025. It's the last year of guaranteed money on his current deal, and the Dolphins could choose to wait for the financial relief that would come with a release next offseason instead of forcing a trade now and accepting minimal return. Plus, don't forget how important this season is to the future of the Chris Grier/Mike McDaniel regime in Miami. With pressure mounting, it might end up making more sense to keep Ramsey instead of accepting peanuts just to move on from him.