Gregory Reed / Shutterstock.com
It’s been almost two months since Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins agreed to look at trade options, but nobody’s biting on the star cornerback. You’d think teams would be lining up for a player with his résumé, leadership, and talent – yet here we are.
The market for the seven-time Pro Bowler is ice cold. Miami can’t even get a decent draft pick in return. In a recent piece for ESPN, Ben Solak created mock trade scenarios where the best offer came from the Panthers – and it wasn’t exactly impressive.
Staying in South Beach suddenly doesn’t look so bad.
Panthers’ Offer Shows How Far Ramsey’s Trade Value Has Fallen
In Solak’s hypothetical deal, Carolina would send just a 2026 fourth-round pick to Miami. That’s it. Nothing immediate, nothing premium – just a mid-round selection two drafts from now. The Chargers and Rams (Ramsey’s former team) offered even less in these mock scenarios.
Why such weak returns? According to Jeremy Fowler, Ramsey’s contract is scaring teams away. He’s guaranteed $20.2 million next season – a hefty price tag that’s making potential suitors think twice. Only a rebuilding team like Carolina might be willing to absorb that kind of financial commitment.
Position Switch on the Horizon?
What’s particularly interesting is how teams are viewing Ramsey’s future. Solak points out that Carolina needs safety help opposite Tre’Von Moehrig, suggesting Ramsey could fill that role. That’s a dramatic shift for a guy who’s spent his career locking down the NFL’s elite receivers.
This isn’t just Solak’s opinion. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports similar thinking around the league.
“The more people I talk to, the more I think Jalen Ramsey’s value now really is as a safety,” Breer wrote. “… if you’re bringing him in, leaning into what he still does well and planning on having him as more than a stopgap rental, then safety is likely where his future lies.”
Would Ramsey even consider moving to safety? There’s good reason to be skeptical. Cornerbacks typically earn more, and he’s still performing well at his current position. Plus, getting pushed to safety is often seen as a sign you’re losing a step – not exactly what a player with Ramsey’s confidence wants to hear.
For a 30-year-old Super Bowl champion (turning 31 in October), the choice between a competitive Miami team and a Panthers franchise in full rebuild mode isn’t much of a choice at all. The Dolphins might not be championship favorites, but they’re certainly closer than Carolina.
No wonder the trade market is quiet. Ramsey’s best move might be staying put – especially if the alternative is being shipped to a struggling team that wants to change his position.
