The NFL rumor mill is buzzing once again, and this time, it’s centered around a potential blockbuster reunion between the Los Angeles Rams and their former star cornerback, Jalen Ramsey. On April 22, 2025, reports surfaced that the Rams have engaged in discussions with the Miami Dolphins about bringing Ramsey back to Los Angeles, just two years after trading him away. With the NFL Draft looming and the Rams seeking to bolster their secondary, head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead have not ruled out the possibility of a dramatic return for the seven-time Pro Bowler. Could Ramsey, a key figure in the Rams’ 2021 Super Bowl run, don his old horns again? Let’s dive into the details of this intriguing trade possibility.
A Familiar Face in Trade Talks
Jalen Ramsey is no stranger to the Rams or their fans. From 2019 to 2022, Ramsey was a cornerstone of Los Angeles’s defense, earning three All-Pro honors and helping the team secure a Super Bowl title. His elite coverage skills, physicality, and versatility made him one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs. However, in March 2023, the Rams traded Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, a move driven by the team’s need to clear salary cap space during a roster reset.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Dolphins have placed Ramsey on the trade block after mutually agreeing to explore options. According to reports, Miami’s decision stems from Ramsey’s hefty contract, which carries a $24.2 million guaranteed cap hit in 2025 and a three-year, $72.1 million extension kicking in starting in 2026. At 31 years old, Ramsey remains a high-level performer, but his age and recent injury history have prompted Miami to consider moving on.
Sean McVay isn't ruling out a trade for Jalen Ramsey and Rams GM Les Snead said he's had discussions with the Dolphins already 👀 https://t.co/7SkFM9aUEr
— Cameron DaSilva (@camdasilva) April 22, 2025
The Rams, meanwhile, are in the market for cornerback help. Since Ramsey’s departure, Los Angeles has struggled to find a true lockdown corner to anchor their secondary. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Rams are expected to address the position, but the allure of a proven veteran like Ramsey has sparked serious interest. During a pre-draft press conference on April 22, 2025, Sean McVay and Les Snead openly discussed the possibility of a reunion, with Snead confirming that he’s already had conversations with the Dolphins.
McVay and Snead Weigh In
Sean McVay, known for his candid yet calculated remarks, didn’t shy away from praising Ramsey while addressing the trade rumors. “You would certainly never rule out the possibility of that,” McVay said. “There’s a lot of layers that would need to be worked out with a player of his magnitude… but you would never eliminate the possibility of adding a total stud.” McVay’s comments reflect both admiration for Ramsey’s talent and an acknowledgment of the logistical challenges, particularly Ramsey’s expensive contract.
Les Snead, the Rams’ general manager, was equally forthcoming. He admitted to having “discussions with the Dolphins about a deal,” signaling that the talks are more than just speculative. Snead’s willingness to engage in trade negotiations suggests that the Rams see Ramsey as a potential game-changer for their defense, even if the financial and draft capital costs are steep.
The Cost of a Reunion
Bringing Ramsey back to Los Angeles would not come cheap. His current contract, which includes $24.2 million guaranteed in 2025 and a $16.6 million cap hit, poses a significant challenge for the Rams, who are already navigating a tight salary cap. Additionally, any trade would likely require the Rams to part with valuable draft picks, a resource they’ve historically been willing to trade but are now looking to stockpile after years of aggressive roster moves.
Recent trades for top-tier cornerbacks provide a benchmark for what the Rams might need to offer. For instance, the Washington Commanders traded a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round pick for Marshon Lattimore in 2024, while L’Jarius Sneed fetched a third-round pick for the Tennessee Titans. Given Ramsey’s pedigree and past performance, the Dolphins could demand at least a second- or third-round pick, potentially with additional assets. For the Rams, who hold a first-round pick in the 2025 draft for only the second time in the McVay era, sacrificing draft capital for a 31-year-old cornerback is a risky proposition.
Moreover, Ramsey’s recent performance raises questions about his value. While he’s played in 27 consecutive games without major setbacks, critics have pointed to moments where he’s been outplayed, such as allowing a touchdown to a third-string running back in a 2024 game against the Buffalo Bills. At this stage of his career, Ramsey may not be the undisputed elite corner he once was, but his experience, leadership, and versatility still make him a valuable asset.
Why a Reunion Makes Sense
Despite the challenges, there are compelling reasons for the Rams to pursue Ramsey. First and foremost, he’s a known quantity. McVay and Snead are intimately familiar with Ramsey’s skill set, work ethic, and ability to elevate a defense. During his time in Los Angeles, Ramsey was a vocal leader and a mentor to younger players, qualities that could stabilize a Rams secondary lacking depth and top-end talent.
Additionally, Ramsey’s history with the Rams is overwhelmingly positive. He’s expressed gratitude for his time in Los Angeles, praising McVay, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris (now head coach of the Atlanta Falcons), and teammates like Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford. In a 2023 press conference with the Dolphins, Ramsey called McVay “the man” and credited him for being a great coach, suggesting there’s no bad blood between the two sides. A return to a familiar system and culture could reinvigorate Ramsey and maximize his impact.
From a schematic standpoint, Ramsey’s versatility aligns perfectly with the Rams’ defensive needs. Whether playing man coverage, zone, or even blitzing off the edge, Ramsey can adapt to multiple roles, giving defensive coordinator Chris Shula flexibility in his play-calling. Pairing Ramsey with emerging young talent or a rookie from the 2025 draft could create a formidable secondary capable of competing in the NFC West, one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
The Risks and Alternatives
Of course, the Rams must weigh the risks of reacquiring Ramsey. His age and contract are significant concerns, as is the potential for diminishing returns from a player who’s no longer in his prime. The Rams’ 2023 trade of Ramsey was part of a broader strategy to shed high-priced contracts and rebuild through the draft, and reversing course could hinder their long-term plans. If the Rams believe they can find a younger, cheaper cornerback in the draft—such as Michigan’s Kenneth Grant, who’s been linked to them—they might opt to pass on Ramsey.
There’s also the question of whether Ramsey wants to return. While he loved his time in Los Angeles and has spoken highly of McVay, Ramsey reportedly hand-picked Miami as his destination in 2023, suggesting he prioritizes control over his career path. If Ramsey is traded, he’ll likely want a say in his next team, and it’s unclear whether he’d welcome a return to a Rams squad that’s not guaranteed to contend for a Super Bowl in 2025.
Fan and Analyst Reactions
The possibility of Ramsey’s return has sparked a mix of excitement and skepticism among Rams fans and analysts. On X, posts reflected the buzz, with some fans thrilled at the prospect of Ramsey anchoring the secondary again, while others questioned whether the Rams should invest in a veteran over younger talent. One post captured the sentiment: “Sean McVay isn’t ruling out a trade for Jalen Ramsey and Rams GM Les Snead said he’s had discussions with the Dolphins already 👀.” The polarized reactions highlight the high stakes of this potential move.
Analysts have also weighed in, with some arguing that Ramsey’s leadership and proven track record outweigh the financial risks, while others caution against repeating the Rams’ past pattern of trading away draft picks for aging stars. The debate underscores the delicate balance between short-term competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Rams face a pivotal decision. Will they pull the trigger on a trade for Ramsey, reuniting with a fan favorite and defensive stalwart? Or will they stick to their draft-focused strategy, betting on youth to fill the void in their secondary? McVay and Snead’s openness to the idea suggests that the door is far from closed, but the “layers” McVay referenced—contract negotiations, draft capital, and Ramsey’s own preferences—will need to align for a deal to materialize.
For now, the Rams are keeping their options open, and the NFL world is watching closely. If Jalen Ramsey does return to Los Angeles, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the player and the franchise, reigniting memories of their Super Bowl glory days. Until then, the trade talks remain a tantalizing “what if” in a league full of surprises.
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