Dolphins GM Says Jalen Ramsey is on the Trading Block

General Manager Chris Grier said that discussions between the organization and Ramsey’s camp have been going on for some time.

Jalen Ramsey #5 of the Miami Dolphins looks on prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Sept. 08, 2024. Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is on the trading block. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday. Ramsey signed a three-year, $72.3 million deal with Miami in 2024.

Grier said the move was best for both the player and the team.

“After a couple of weeks of discussions between ourselves internally and Jalen and his representation, we decided that it was probably in the best interest for all parties to move forward [without him],” Grier said.

“These decisions aren’t done quickly, and they’re not taken lightly, because we spent a lot of time this offseason working through this, talking through things.”

Grier did not reveal any details of the conversations, but he said that Ramsey himself did not ask for a trade; he did not request a salary adjustment.

He did not rule out Ramsey playing for the team this season.

“We’re prepared. If he’s here, we‘ll deal with it, and if he’s not, we’ll adjust as well,” he said.

“It’s never easy to replace a player like Jalen,” Grier added. “He was a good player for us, he’s a good player, he'll probably be a Hall of Famer. But for the Miami Dolphins going forward, we feel like this is the best chance to help us win, not only just this year, but in the future as well.”

Grier did not speculate when a trade would happen.

“Trades come together at all different times,” Grier said, just over a week removed from the 2025 NFL Draft. “[We’ve] seen from before the draft, day of the draft, during the draft...when it happens it‘ll happen, and if it doesn’t, we’ll deal with it then.”

“We’re talking to teams, [we’ve] had some discussions with teams, and we'll see where it falls.”

Other Cornerbacks

Replacing the 7-time Pro Bowler and 3-time All-Pro would be a tall task. The Dolphins currently have eight other cornerbacks on the roster.

Kader Kohou played 15 games in 2024, registering 31 tackles, a forced fumble, and two interceptions.

Storm Duck signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and played in 14 games with 24 tackles and four passes defended.

Ethan Bonner signed as a UDFA in 2023 and has been highly praised by multiple teammates, including wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and 2024 cornerback Kendall Fuller.

Practice squad cornerbacks Jason Maitre and Isaiah Johnson are also listed on the roster.

The team signed veteran corner Artie Burns in free agency and claimed Ryan “Bump” Cooper Jr. off waivers.

Grier mentioned 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith during the press conference as a player who needs to step up.

“Cam Smith needs to come through,” he said. “He’s got to stay healthy and be on the field. He has shown some flashes, but this is a very big year [for] him. He knows what’s expected, because we can’t hold his hand and wait for him anymore.”

Ramsey NFL Career

Ramsey was drafted out of Florida State by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fifth overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft.

He spent three full seasons with the Jaguars as their number one cornerback. He had more than 60 tackles each season, 44 pass defenses, and nine interceptions.

He played three games for the Jaguars in 2019 before he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. He played nine games in 2019 and another three seasons for LA, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2021. He had a career season in 2022, racking up 88 total tackles, 18 passes defended, four interceptions, and two sacks. He also had two forced fumbles and a recovery.