Jalen Ramsey's Contract Reportedly a 'Sticking Point' Amid Dolphins, Rams Trade Rumors

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey could be on his way back to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, but his contract is reportedly holding up a potential trade to the NFC West team and others.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reporetd during Sunday's SportsCenter and suggested the $24 million in guarantees has proven to be a "sticking point" in negotiations.

"Miami has been calling around on Ramsey trying to work a potential trade," Fowler said. "They were doing so in the days leading up to the NFL draft. So something could shake out here this off season. I'm told Ramsey does want to play for a contender. So, he wouldn't just go to any team, considering his age, his pedigree as a Super Bowl winner. 

"The sticking point here is that $24 million in guarantees. My sense after asking around is Miami has not been overly eager to cover some of that bill, which sort of makes a trade hard to pull off right now. L.A. Rams, it could be a reunion here. They've been in the mix here, they are a team to watch, certainly for Ramsey."

The veteran cornerback is under contract through the 2028 season, although there is a potential 2026 out. And if Miami is understandably concerned about the financials, a post-June 1 trade would make far more sense since it would clear nearly $10 million in cap space.

Ramsey trade rumors have circulated since Miami general manager Chris Grier told reporters last month the plan was to move the cornerback.

"Really after a couple 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," Grier said while also making it clear Ramsey didn't ask for a trade.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported during the draft it "does not feel to me like anything is imminent" with a trade:

The financials being a "sticking point" would help explain why nothing has materialized to this point, although Ramsey is surely an intriguing option to teams that need help in the secondary.

His resume includes a Super Bowl title, three First-Team All-Pro selections and seven Pro Bowl nods. While he is 30 years old and may not be playing at the same level as his peak, he was still a Pro Bowler in 2023 and finished with 11 passes defended while playing all 17 games last year.

Teams in win-now mode, like the Rams, will surely continue to monitor the situation as the offseason progresses.