Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is among the NFL's hottest commodities on the trading block, as the team's front office announced in April their intention to deal the star elsewhere within the league.
Any team in need of a veteran presence in its cornerback room would likely benefit from the addition of Ramsey, a Super Bowl champion, three-time All-Pro First Teamer, and seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
But of all the league's 32 squads, the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings have the most to gain from striking a deal with the Dolphins, according to Pro Football Network's Brandon Austin.
For the Cardinals, a trade for Ramsey could push the team further into playoff contention and near the top of an NFC West division that was competitive last season.
"Garrett Williams had a breakout second season, establishing himself as one of the league’s best young slot corners. He was targeted 59 times, allowed 33 receptions, and gave up a 75.2 passer rating. He also allowed a catch rate over expected of -8.6%," Austin wrote.
"However, there are question marks around the rest of the cornerback room. Second-round pick Will Johnson was widely considered the best cornerback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he’s coming off a season-ending knee injury. Max Melton is set for a bigger role after starting three games as a rookie, but the unit’s depth took a hit when Sean Murphy-Bunting suffered a season-ending non-contact injury."
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) block a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) block a pass from Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Unlike the Cardinals, the Vikings had one of the strongest defensive units in the NFL last season. But there remains some uncertainty about how productive Minnesota will be behind its front seven.
"They head into 2025 with some unanswered questions in the secondary, particularly at corner," Austin wrote. "Minnesota re-signed nickel man Byron Murphy, but with no cornerbacks selected in the draft, Isaiah Rodgers and Mekhi Blackmon are currently penciled in as the starting outside corners, a potential downgrade from last season on paper."
Ramsey started all 17 of the Dolphins' regular-season games last season, totaling 60 tackles, two interceptions, one sack, and 11 passes defended. Austin believes that Ramsey, despite turning 31 in late October, is still "one of the best cornerbacks in football."
"Ramsey’s 2024 production may be below average compared to what we’ve come to expect from him, suggesting his best days may be behind him. Still, he’s proven that he can continue to play at a high level, even if he’s lost a step," Austin wrote. "His instincts, ball skills, physicality, and supreme confidence are exactly what coaches look for in a cornerback."