There must be some leeway for brutal tactics if the Washington Commanders are to be Super Bowl contenders more than just on paper.
Following reports from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero that Jalen Ramsey and the Miami Dolphins were considering trade possibilities, one of those actions should be to act swiftly and see if there is a way to acquire the two-time NFL All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback via trade to Washington.
Rapoport said on his official X account on April 15: “It wouldn’t be a surprise if he played elsewhere in 2025, as per me and @TomPelissero. The #Dolphins and seven-time Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey are mutually set to explore trade options.” With $25.1M completely guaranteed this season, Miami and Ramsey may be splitting up. Although there isn’t a set timeline for a potential trade, it would make sense to complete one before the NFL Draft, if only to allow Miami to use the selection or picks they would obtain for Ramsey. The draft is in nine days.
Getting Ramsey would probably take a number of movements rather than just one. In order to get Ramsey and his $25.1 million salary on the books, the first of those would have to clear up salary cap space. This would probably entail laying off veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore and saving $16 million.
Then there is the trade that Ramsey brings back. In this instance, the Commanders only have five draft picks this year, and the Dolphins want one. Ramsey would still be worth their 2025 fourth-round pick (No. 128 overall) in this scenario.
The Dolphins would also likely want a player in return for Ramsey. Lattimore might be an option, as could second-year wide receiver Luke McCaffrey.
What the Commanders Would Get in Ramsey
Ramsey was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Florida State and has been one of the NFL’s dominant cornerbacks over the last decade.
While he might not be in his prime any more, Ramsey likely has a few seasons left of being a dominant NFL cornerback — he also helped the Los Angeles Rams win a Super Bowl following the 2021 season.
This would be Ramsey’s third time forcing his way off a team. After forcing a trade to the Rams in 2019, he signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension in September 2020, making him the most paid defensive back in NFL history. Ramsey signed a three-year contract extension worth $72.3 million in September 2024 after being traded by the Rams to the Dolphins in March 2023.
As the 2025 season approaches, Ramsey’s career earnings total $118.2 million.
Commanders Made Big Move for Lattimore in 2024
The Commanders made a big move to get Lattimore at the 2024 NFL trade deadline, giving up a 2025 third round pick, 2025 fourth round pick and 2025 sixth round pick in exchange for the 4-time Pro Bowl cornerback and a 2025 fifth round pick.
It’s hard to say Lattimore has been worth what the Commanders gave up for him. He only played 2 regular season games due to hamstring issues and didn’t have an interception in 5 games including the Commanders’ run to the NFC Championship Game.
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