The reason why the Rams can’t trade for Jalen Ramsey…yet

Ian Rapoport reported of a trade taking place in June…

Three weeks ago, the Miami Dolphins announced that the organization and Jalen Ramsey would be best fit to part ways with the star defensive back. The Los Angeles Rams were considered suitors for Ramsey considering their previous tenure and Sean McVay’s relationship with the cornerback. Furthermore, Ramsey has been vocal in the past that he wants to play in certain locations; naming Miami, Tennessee, Las Vegas, and of course Los Angeles has his favorite destinations. Ian Rapoport further reported on Los Angeles’s interest this past weekend.

Jason Fitzgerald with Over the Cap reported that the Dolphins would have two opportunities to trading Ramsey. The first would be during draft weekend and the second before August 30th. With the draft over, the Dolphins will work to offload Ramsey before owing him a $18.98 million bonus. June 1st is a key date because of the Dolphins ability to move Ramsey via a post-June 1 trade. A pre-June 1 trade hampers the Dolphins with a $25.2 million dead cap charge.

However, a post-June 1 trade would only cost Miami $6.7 million in 2025, while saving $9.9 million.

The Rams have $17.6 million in cap space currently, but that does not account for their rookie draft class. However, with not having to pay a first rounder, the cost will not be as high. Los Angeles can also create cap space and position space by releasing Derion Kendrick. Not only does that trim the cornerback position, where Ramsey would be, but it also saves $3.4 million for a player that has been below average and coming off of an ACL tear.

Other cost cutting moves can include releasing the following:

Quintez Cephus ($1.1 million)

AJ Green ($1.1 million)

Tony Fields ($1.1 million)

The Rams have flexibility with their cap space but they need to make sure that they do not bend over backwards to acquire Ramsey. The team has impending extensions looming in 2026 with players like Steve Avila, Kobie Turner, and Puka Nacua. If Sean McVay and Les Snead believe that Ramsey can help them get over the top again in 2025 without creating too many future cap consequences, then acquiring a player of his caliber is necessary.

As it stands right now, McVay has communicated that there appear to be some layers with a potential acquisition. That could be contractually but also the type of compensation that Miami would hope to receive.

One promising outlook for those hoping for a Ramsey reunion… Los Angeles did not draft any cornerbacks in this year’s draft class. LA could stand to upgrade that unit. Even though Ramsey is no longer playing at his prime level, he is still playing at level that should interest the Rams.

If the Rams have a cornerback injury during minicamp, things could certainly expedite rather quickly…