“Never in my career have I seen someone with a month’s, not week’s, injury be as involved in a team. I can’t say enough good things about that guy. He’s one of my top 3 favorite players of all time.” Mike McDaniel said this in 2023 when asked about Jalen Ramsey‘s resilience. Fast forward to 2025, FOX’s Armando Salguero reported that the duo’s relationship is so soured that it’s “irreparably broken.”
But Armando further added that Ramsey couldn’t see “eye-to-eye” with Mike. So, while the CB was still in the roster when the Dolphins wrapped up the 2025 NFL Draft, it was clear that he wouldn’t be a Phin for long. A cryptic social media post from Ramsey, with a quote reading, “Who you surround yourself with matters,” a tight-lipped post-draft McDaniel, and increasing chatter that a trade is not only inevitable but overdue.
Asked directly about where things stand with Ramsey, McDaniel didn’t even try to sidestep gracefully. “Speaking on a relationship with Jalen in this forum undercuts what I think is important,” he said. Translation: it’s over, and he doesn’t want to talk about it. Add in GM Chris Grier’s comment that there was “interest” in a trade, and it’s clear this is no longer a matter of “if.” It’s “when,” and more importantly, “how much.”
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: The #Dolphins appear unwilling to take on any of Jalen Ramsey’s guaranteed money to facilitate a trade, per @JFowlerESPN
Teams are very interested in trading for Ramsey, but don’t want to take on his full contract. This is the current hold up. pic.twitter.com/OvLxiCl1NW
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) May 5, 2025
The biggest hang-up isn’t drama—it’s dollars. Ramsey is due $24 million in 2025, and according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, teams want him, but they don’t want that full contract. That’s the holdup. Miami already paid him a $4 million bonus this offseason. Now, they’re staring at the possibility of eating more salary to facilitate a deal, just like they did with Ryan Tannehill back in 2019. That one cost them cash and brought back minimal return. The Ramsey situation, while bigger in profile, could follow a similar financial playbook.
This isn’t the first time Ramsey’s had tension with a coach. Remember that 2019 season week 2 clash with Doug Marrone on the sidelines of the Jaguars dugout? That was a full-blown fight. But this feels different. He’s 30 now. He wants to win, and fast. Reports say McDaniel’s player-friendly, joke-first style has lost some of the veterans. Ramsey may just be the first to speak up. Others could follow. If Miami lets this linger, they risk making the locker room fracture even worse. You can’t build a contender on cracks.
Bottom line: Miami wants out. Ramsey wants out. The problem is, no one wants to pick up the check. But maybe there’s hope in Los Angeles.
Sean McVay’s Rams could be secure at the back with Jalen Ramsey
If there’s a team that knows exactly what Jalen Ramsey brings to the table, it’s the Rams. And if there’s a coach bold enough to bring him back into the fold despite the $24 million elephant in the room, it’s Sean McVay. But it’s not all chitter chatter as McVay’s been open about a potential reunion, and word around the league is that Los Angeles has been in discussions with Miami about bringing the seven-time Pro Bowler back to Inglewood.
Remember, this isn’t just any corner. Jalen Ramsey was the Rams’ defensive centerpiece during their Super Bowl LVI run. The shutdown artist who blanketed top receivers, flew downhill, and chirped all game long. And even though he’s turning 31, Ramsey’s game hasn’t fallen off a cliff. He’s still an effective nickel corner, a dependable tackler, and a sharp veteran presence, especially for a Rams defense that’s grown a little too young, a little too fast.
It’s true that Ramsey isn’t the same player he was in 2021, and no, he’s not dragging this defense to a top-five finish single-handedly. But that’s not the assignment. The Rams aren’t looking for a savior; they’re looking for a stabilizer. A vet who’s done it at the highest level and can show the young guys what “all gas, no brakes” actually looks like on Sunday.
“He’s someone I’ve always respected—he knows our system, knows what it takes,” McVay said earlier this offseason. That’s more than just fluff. That’s a breadcrumb, maybe even a full slice of the reunion loaf.
If the Rams are serious about balancing out their youth with proven leadership, bringing Jalen Ramsey back could be a real strategy. Now it’s just a matter of whether they’re willing to pay the price to make it happen.
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