It now appears to be less a matter of if and more a matter of when the Miami Dolphins will trade cornerback Jalen Ramsey this offseason. The remaining question is where he’ll end up.
On Thursday, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin suggested a potential deal that would send Ramsey to the Los Angeles Chargers. “Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins have essentially made it clear that the cornerback is available, with both sides expecting a split less than a year after agreeing to a major contract extension,” Benjamin wrote. “Early signs point to Ramsey favoring a move to Los Angeles.”
“A return to the Rams would be logical, considering their championship goals and need for help in the secondary,” wrote Cody Benjamin. “However, the Chargers may be even more motivated. They were reportedly close to a blockbuster trade for DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, indicating a willingness to spend significant draft capital—this time to strengthen Jesse Minter’s defense.”
The Chargers also have financial flexibility, with over $25 million in available cap space for 2025. While Ramsey carries a cap hit of roughly $16.7 million next season, the acquiring team could structure the deal differently. Notably, Ramsey signed a three-year, $72 million extension before the 2024 season, but there’s a potential out built in after 2025.
The Chargers could trade for Jalen Ramsey with a “wait-and-see” approach regarding his future beyond 2025.
Ramsey had a strong 2023 season, recording 60 total tackles (six for loss), 11 pass breakups, and two interceptions. His performance earned him his seventh career Pro Bowl selection.
Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey Heading to the West Coast?
Cody Benjamin isn’t alone in linking Jalen Ramsey to the Chargers—ESPN’s Adam Schefter floated the same possibility during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on June 20.
Schefter highlighted the appeal of a west coast return for Ramsey, who won a Super Bowl with the Rams during the 2021–22 season, making the Chargers a natural fit given their need at cornerback and his past success in Los Angeles.
“I don’t know exactly when it’s gonna be, but Jalen Ramsey will get traded,” Adam Schefter told The Pat McAfee Show. “It’ll be, I would expect, before the start of training camp. We’ll see how it shakes out, where he goes. I think he would like to go to the West Coast, to the Los Angeles Chargers, somewhere like that.”
With less than a month remaining before training camp, the Chargers are expected to start second-year corner Cam Hart alongside veteran newcomer Donte Jackson—fueling speculation that a move for Ramsey could bolster a thin secondary.
Cam Hart, who started six games as a rookie in 2024, is penciled in as one of the Chargers’ starting cornerbacks. Opposite him is Donte Jackson, who played last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Jackson notched a career-high five interceptions, his overall performance was inconsistent, reflecting an up-and-down campaign.
Could Ramsey Return to the Los Angeles Rams?
NFL analysts believe Jalen Ramsey not only wants to return to the West Coast, but specifically hopes to play in Los Angeles this season. He previously spent three and a half years with the Rams before being traded to the Dolphins in 2023.
However, if the Rams enter trade discussions, they could become a major obstacle for the Chargers in their pursuit of the veteran cornerback.
“It seems someone is holding back in the Jalen Ramsey trade talks—whether it’s Ramsey, the Dolphins, or interested teams—largely due to the financial commitment tied to an aging but highly decorated corner,” Cody Benjamin wrote. “And with the Chargers opting for more budget-conscious moves this offseason, the Rams remain a serious contender.”
While Ramsey would represent a clear upgrade over the Chargers’ current cornerback group, it’s worth noting he missed the Pro Bowl last season for the first time since his rookie campaign. He’ll turn 31 in October, and as Benjamin pointed out, his 2025 salary likely won’t match his current value on the field.
The Rams’ potential interest in Jalen Ramsey benefits the Dolphins, as it could drive up his trade value. A bidding war would allow Miami to command a higher return for the veteran corner.
However, that same competition might push the Chargers out of the running, as they could be unwilling to engage in a costly battle for his services.
