The Pros and Cons of the Rams Reuniting with Jalen Ramsey

The Rams face an intriguing opportunity with the news that the Miami Dolphins are expected to trade star cornerback Jalen Ramsey ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ramsey, a former Ram who helped the team secure a Super Bowl title in 2021, could potentially return to Los Angeles. Several online sources outline reasons why the Rams should consider this move, but any decision of this magnitude requires a careful examination of both the advantages and drawbacks. Below is a detailed analysis of the pros and cons of reuniting with Jalen Ramsey, grounded in the article’s insights and broader NFL considerations.

Pros of Reuniting with Jalen Ramsey

1. Proven Elite Talent and Past Success with the Rams
   • Argument: Ramsey is a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. During his tenure with the Rams (2019–2022), he was instrumental in their Super Bowl LVI victory, showcasing his ability to shut down top receivers and elevate the defense. His familiarity with the organization, coaching staff, and defensive schemes could facilitate a seamless reintegration.
   • Impact: Ramsey’s presence would instantly bolster the Rams’ secondary, which, while improved in 2024, still lacks a true lockdown corner of his caliber. His versatility—playing outside, in the slot, or even in the box—adds schematic flexibility, as evidenced by his 2021 season, where he recorded 14 pass breakups and 26 defensive stops in a more varied role. Pairing him with Ahkello Witherspoon and Cobie Durant could create one of the league’s top secondaries.
   • Cultural Fit: Ramsey’s positive reflections on his time in Los Angeles, noting that his tenure “helped bring back his love of football.” His leadership and competitive spirit could galvanize a Rams team aiming to contend in 2025, especially after a strong offseason that included signings of Davante Adams and Poona Ford.
2. Addressing a Key Defensive Need
   • Argument: The Rams’ defense, while solid, has vulnerabilities in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. Ramsey’s addition would address a critical need, especially as the team faces high-powered passing offenses in the NFC, such as the 49ers or Eagles.
   • Impact: Ramsey’s ability to neutralize No. 1 receivers (e.g., his 2023 interception against Davante Adams) would allow defensive coordinator Chris Shula to deploy more aggressive schemes, such as increased blitzes or tighter coverage. His 2023 stats with the Dolphins—5 interceptions, 22 passes defended, and a PFF ranking as the second-best cornerback—demonstrate that, at 30, he remains an elite playmaker. This could be pivotal in a division where quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Kyler Murray have thrived on exploiting the Rams’ weak secondary.
3. Marketability and Fan Appeal
   • Argument: Ramsey’s return would be a massive draw for fans. As a charismatic, outspoken superstar with a history of success in Los Angeles, his reunion would generate excitement and boost team morale.
   • Impact: Ramsey’s homecoming could sell tickets and jerseys, enhancing the Rams’ brand in a competitive Los Angeles market. This intangible benefit could translate into increased revenue and support for a team looking to sustain its relevance post-Super Bowl.
4. Potential for a Reasonable Trade Cost
   • Argument: Ramsey’s trade from the Rams to the Dolphins in 2023 involved a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, suggesting that his acquisition cost might not be prohibitive. Given the Dolphins’ mutual interest in exploring trade options, the Rams could potentially secure Ramsey without sacrificing premium draft capital.
   • Impact: The Rams have a history of bold trades (e.g., two first-round picks for Ramsey in 2019), but their current roster depth and recent draft successes (e.g., Jared Verse, Braden Fiske) mean they could afford to part with mid-round picks or a player to reacquire Ramsey. A cost-effective trade would preserve resources to address other needs, such as linebacker or offensive line depth.

The #Dolphins and seven-time Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey are mutually set to explore trade options and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he played elsewhere in 2025, per me and @TomPelissero.

Miami and Ramsey, due $25.1M fully guaranteed this season, could be parting ways. pic.twitter.com/rfbNDcNL6m

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2025

Cons of Reuniting with Jalen Ramsey

1. Age and Declining Performance Concerns
   • Argument: Ramsey’s two seasons with the Dolphins were “disappointing,” marked by injuries and a perceived dip in performance compared to his Rams tenure. At 30 years old, there’s a risk that his elite production may wane, especially given the physical demands of the cornerback position.
   • Counterpoint and Analysis: While Ramsey’s 2023 and 2024 seasons included injuries (e.g., a torn meniscus in 2023 and a hamstring issue in 2024), his stats suggest he remains a top-tier player. However, the Rams must weigh whether his recent injury history—missing games in both Miami seasons—signals a potential decline. Cornerbacks often see a drop-off in their early 30s, and Ramsey’s aggressive playing style (e.g., physical tackles and hit-stick plays) could exacerbate wear and tear. The Rams’ investment in a 30-year-old player carries inherent risk, especially if his contract demands a high cap hit.
2. High Financial Cost and Salary Cap Constraints
   • Argument: Ramsey’s current contract, restructured by the Dolphins in 2024 to clear $19.912 million in cap space, still carries a significant cap hit. The Rams, who traded Ramsey in 2023 partly to alleviate cap issues, may struggle to accommodate his salary alongside stars like Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams.
   • Impact: The Rams’ 2023 trade of Ramsey was driven by a need to “engineer a healthier cap situation,” as stated by GM Les Snead. Reacquiring Ramsey could force the team to make tough roster decisions, such as cutting veterans or restructuring other contracts.
3. Trade Cost and Opportunity Cost
   • Argument: Several sources suggest a potentially reasonable trade cost, but Ramsey’s status as an All-Pro could drive up his price, especially if teams like the 49ers (linked to Ramsey due to coaching connections) enter the bidding. The Rams would be nuts to offer up their first-round pick, and trading a third-round pick probably would be insufficient.
   • Impact: The Rams’ 2025 draft needs include linebacker, offensive line, and potentially a quarterback successor to Stafford. Trading for Ramsey could divert resources from these areas, limiting the team’s ability to build depth or address long-term roster gaps. The opportunity cost of prioritizing Ramsey over younger, cheaper talent must be carefully considered.
4. Team Chemistry and Past Tensions
   • Argument: While Ramsey expressed fondness for his Rams tenure, his history includes moments of friction. In 2023, he was caught shoving teammate Taylor Rapp during a game, and his outspoken nature (e.g., criticizing Dolphins coordinators) could disrupt locker room harmony. Ramsey’s personality could pose challenges in a Rams locker room with established leaders.
   • Impact: The Rams’ current roster, led by Stafford, has a strong culture, but Ramsey’s “ultra-competitive spirit” could create tension if not managed properly. His 2018 suspension with the Jaguars for conduct issues suggests a pattern of occasional discord, which the Rams must weigh against his on-field contributions. McVay’s ability to manage egos will be critical, especially with other high-profile additions like Adams.
5. Strategic Fit and Defensive Scheme Concerns
   • Argument: Sources note Ramsey would fit seamlessly into the Rams’ defense, but the team’s current scheme under Chris Shula differs from the one Ramsey played in under Raheem Morris. The Rams’ 2024 defense relied on younger, cost-controlled players and a more balanced approach, which might not maximize Ramsey’s skill set.
   • Impact: Ramsey thrives in schemes that allow him to shadow top receivers or play multiple roles, as he did in 2021. If the Rams’ 2025 scheme emphasizes zone coverage or less man-to-man, Ramsey’s impact could be diminished. Additionally, investing heavily in a single cornerback might unbalance the defense and divert resources from the 2025 draft.

Critical Evaluation and Recommendation

The decision to reunite with Jalen Ramsey hinges on balancing his undeniable talent and familiarity with the Rams against significant financial, strategic, and longevity concerns. Online sources make a compelling case for Ramsey’s return, emphasizing his elite skills and past contributions, but they underplay the risks associated with his age, injury history, and cost.

Pros Summary: Ramsey’s addition would address a clear need in the secondary, enhance the Rams’ competitiveness in a tough NFC, and leverage his proven chemistry with the organization. His marketability and leadership could further elevate a team already bolstered by high-profile moves. A cost-effective trade could make this a low-risk, high-reward move.

Cons Summary: However, Ramsey’s age, injury concerns, and high salary pose significant risks, particularly for a team with cap constraints and other roster needs. The trade cost, while potentially reasonable, could still divert resources from critical areas like linebacker or the offensive line. His outspoken personality and potential schematic mismatches add further complexity.

Recommendation: The Rams should pursue Ramsey only if the trade cost is modest (e.g., a third-round pick or lower) and his contract can be restructured to minimize cap impact in 2025 and beyond. GM Les Snead and coach Sean McVay must also ensure Ramsey’s role aligns with the defensive scheme and that his integration preserves team chemistry. If these conditions are met, Ramsey’s return could propel the Rams into serious contention, leveraging his elite skills to complement an already talented roster. However, if the cost—financial or otherwise—proves too steep, the Rams should prioritize younger, cheaper talent to build a more sustainable future.