During the Rams’ pre-draft press conference, the question of trading for Jalen Ramsey was addressed by Les Snead and Sean McVay. Snead indicated that he has had discussions with the Dolphins on the possibility of trading for Ramsey and reuniting him with the Rams. Sean McVay also weighed in: “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”.
Rams' Sean McVay: Never rule out reuniting with Ramsey. 👀 https://t.co/1qjnsz9OFF pic.twitter.com/Cq9bhNFOOy
— theScore (@theScore) April 22, 2025
Ramsey, a former Ram who contributed to their Super Bowl LVI victory in 2021, is a three-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler whose skills could elevate the Rams’ defense. However, despite his talent and familiarity with the organization, there are compelling reasons why the Rams should avoid trading for him. From financial burdens to strategic mismatches, compounded by Ramsey’s history of demanding higher pay and apparent dissatisfaction, here are my five reasons why Los Angeles should steer clear of a reunion with the star cornerback.
1. Ramsey’s Massive Contract and Salary Demands Strain the Salary Cap
Jalen Ramsey’s current contract is a significant obstacle for the Rams, who are managing a tight salary cap. Ramsey signed a three-year, $72.3 million extension with the Dolphins in September 2024, making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL for the second time. For 2025, he is due a $21.1 million salary, with $25.1 million fully guaranteed, and his cap hit increases through 2028.
Beyond the contract’s size, Ramsey has a well-documented history of pushing for more money, often appearing unsatisfied with his deals. After signing a five-year, $100 million extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016, he held out for a trade in 2019, citing dissatisfaction with his situation — and possibly faking an injury to force a trade. Similarly, after a five-year, $105 million deal with the Rams in 2020, he was traded to Miami in 2023, partly due to cap issues but also amid rumors of his desire for a new contract. His 2024 extension with the Dolphins, signed just a year after joining the team, suggests a pattern of seeking bigger paydays.
The Rams, with roughly $40 million in projected cap space, cannot afford to absorb Ramsey’s contract with the recently re-worked deal for Matthew Stafford and the extension of Alaric Jackson. His relentless pursuit of higher salaries raises the risk of future holdouts or trade demands, which could disrupt team chemistry and financial planning. Instead, the Rams should prioritize cost-effective signings and draft a stud CB in this year’s draft.
2. The Rams’ Secondary Is Growing Under Chris Shula’s Leadership
The Rams’ secondary has shown significant improvement in 2024 under first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who replaced Raheem Morris after Morris took the head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons. Cobie Durant and Ahkello Witherspoon have emerged as reliable contributors, while 2024 draft pick Kamren Kinchens has flashed potential with two interceptions in a single game. The 2025 draft is deep with cornerbacks, and the Rams would be wise to add one or two – even if they trade out of the first round.
Shula’s scheme, which blends zone coverage with aggressive pass-rush support, has kept the Rams’ defense competitive despite the loss of Aaron Donald and shaky CB play. The team’s 244 passing yards allowed per game in 2024 (third-highest in the NFL) reflects schematic adjustments and a youth-driven pass rush rather than a deficient secondary. Trading for Ramsey, who thrives in man-to-man coverage, might disrupt the development of these young players and clash with Shula’s system. Moreover, Ramsey’s history of seeking new contracts could unsettle a locker room that Shula has unified around a “next-man-up” mentality.
3. The Trade Cost Would Deplete Critical Draft Capital
Acquiring Ramsey would likely require surrendering valuable draft picks, a costly move for a team that has shifted toward a draft-centric approach. When the Rams traded for Ramsey in 2019, they gave up two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder—a deal that yielded a Super Bowl but depleted their draft capital. His 2023 trade to Miami netted only a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long, suggesting a lower market value today, but a trade would still likely cost at least a third-round pick and additional assets.
The Rams, under general manager Les Snead, have prioritized rebuilding through the draft, as seen with players like linebacker Byron Young (eight sacks in 2023) and defensive tackle Braden Fiske (two sacks in one 2024 game). With needs at offensive tackle, linebacker, tight end, and with Tyler Higbee’s injury history, the Rams should focus on the year’s draft. The 2025 NFL draft is deep at the CB position, and with the need to shore up other areas of the defense, the Rams cannot afford to sacrifice picks for a player whose play has declined. Retaining draft capital and drafting a TE, ILB, or CB would make more sense, and would not crush the Rams’ cap.
4. Ramsey’s Age, Injury History, Contract Demands, And Declining Play
At 30 years old, Ramsey remains a solid cornerback, earning his seventh Pro Bowl nod in 2024. However, his age and injury history, combined with his pattern of seeking new deals, pose long-term risks. Ramsey played through shoulder tears in 2021, requiring surgery in 2022, and missed seven games in 2023 due to a meniscus injury. While he played 97% of Miami’s defensive snaps in 2024, the physical toll of the cornerback position often accelerates decline in a player’s mid-30s.
Ramsey’s $72.3 million extension runs through 2028, when he’ll be 34, and his frequent contract negotiations suggest he may push for another raise before then. The Rams’ experience with injured players such as Todd Gurley and Cooper Kupp, who became salary cap burdens, underscores the danger of committing to a player whose performance has waned. Instead of betting on Ramsey, the Rams should invest in younger, cheaper cornerbacks through the draft or free agency, avoiding the financial and performance risks tied to his age and relentless salary demands.
On the final play of the game for the Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase had Jalen Ramsey on the ground and was WIDE OPEN for what could have been a game-winning TD.
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) February 14, 2022
If only Burrow had more time.. pic.twitter.com/QIIH77SYVY
5. Shula’s Defensive Scheme Doesn’t Require a High-Cost Cornerback
Chris Shula’s defensive scheme, which emphasizes zone coverage and a robust pass rush, reduces the need for an elite, high-maintenance cornerback like Ramsey. In 2024, the Rams led the NFL with 15 sacks from players in their first two seasons, driven by rookies like Verse and Fiske. This pass-rush-heavy approach limits the time quarterbacks have to exploit coverage, making a lockdown corner less critical.
While Ramsey excelled under Raheem Morris’ scheme, which incorporated safety responsibilities, Shula’s system relies more on versatile safeties and schematic disguise. Ramsey’s strength in man coverage and his reported interest in transitioning to safety may not align perfectly with Shula’s vision. Additionally, Ramsey’s history of seeking new contracts could create tension in a defense built on collective buy-in, as Shula has fostered with undrafted free agents like Jaylen McCollough and Omar Speights. The Rams would be better served investing via the draft for a CB or ILB, aligning with their long-term goals.
Final Thoughts: Ramsey’s Demands Outweigh His Value for the Rams
Jalen Ramsey’s status as a Super Bowl champion and once elite cornerback makes him an attractive option, but the Rams should resist the urge to trade for him. His massive contract, coupled with his pattern of demanding more money and apparent dissatisfaction, poses a financial and cultural risk. Under Chris Shula’s leadership, the Rams’ young secondary is progressing, and his scheme doesn’t require a high-cost cornerback like Ramsey. The trade cost, Ramsey’s age, and his injury history further tilt the scales against a reunion.
The Rams are rebuilding a sustainable roster, blending youth with veterans like Davante Adams, acquired in 2025, to complement Stafford. Trading for Ramsey would revert to the all-in approach of 2021, which is no longer viable. By focusing on the draft and developing players like Durant and Kinchens, the Rams can maintain flexibility and competitiveness without the complications and drama that Ramsey’s demands would bring. At this stage of his career, a better fit for Ramsey would be with the Atlanta Falcons and Raheem Morris, where he could stand back 15 yards from the LOS, get burned, then visibly blame one of his teammates.
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