There’s a photo from 2023 that still circulates in Dolphins fan groups—Jalen Ramsey, still recovering from knee surgery, standing on the sideline in full uniform, shouting encouragement to teammates during a joint practice. Mike McDaniel had just called him “the most engaged injured player I’ve ever coached.” Back then, it looked like the beginning of something lasting. Now? They’re barely speaking. What was once a leadership anchor has become a $72 million headache—and with an overseas spotlight looming in Madrid, the Dolphins may finally be ready to rip the bandage off.
Two days before the 2024 season opener, the Miami Dolphins signed Jalen Ramsey to a 3-year, $72.3 million contract extension with $24.23 million guaranteed. It made him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL at the time. But less than a year later, that investment has soured. The team is now actively exploring trade options for the Pro Bowl CB, and head coach Mike McDaniel is reportedly ready to move on.
Despite his production—432 tackles and 24 interceptions across 135 games—Ramsey’s relationship with the coaching staff has reportedly fractured. According to FinsXtra, “Jalen Ramsey and Mike McDaniel do not see eye to eye, and their relationship is said to be irreparable.” The tension off the field could explain why trade talks are heating up, even if nothing materializes until after June 1 due to salary cap structuring.
NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, “There’s more interest in Jalen Ramsey than people realize.” One interested party? His former team, the Los Angeles Rams.
Multiple #NFL teams have contacted #Dolphins about trading for Jalen Ramsey pic.twitter.com/fKycfCE3PZ
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 16, 2025
The Rams, who traded Ramsey to Miami in 2023, still have strong ties to the cornerback. Head coach Sean McVay has remained in touch and addressed the rumors cautiously: “I think we’re still getting through that process.” Rams GM Les Snead has also spoken to the Dolphins, gauging the team’s expectations.
The Rams currently have $19.55 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. While Ramsey’s 2025 cap hit sits at $21 million, a contract option could drop it to just $5.826 million—making a reunion plausible if the Dolphins are willing to negotiate. Either way, McDaniel and the front office would like to see this situation resolved as soon as possible.
Mike McDaniel & co. going international this year
The Dolphins’ international spotlight is set. The NFL’s 2025 schedule release confirmed that Miami will face the Washington Commanders in Madrid on November 16. The Week 11 clash will take place at the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid, with a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
This is a huge opportunity for the league—and a complex challenge for McDaniel, who’s still piecing together his defensive depth chart. NFL analyst Kyle Soppe ranked it the second-best international game of the season, just behind the Chiefs–Chargers opener in Brazil. “Washington was one of last year’s surprise teams and doubled down this offseason,” Soppe wrote. “The Dolphins are loaded with talent and, when clicking, can be electric on offense. This could be a rare overseas battle between two playoff-level teams.”
Washington’s Jayden Daniels nearly led his team to the Super Bowl as a rookie last season before falling short in the NFC Championship Game. Tua Tagovailoa, if healthy, will look to outduel the Commanders’ rising star in what promises to be a dynamic quarterback battle on Spanish soil.
As international fans prepare to witness American football under the Madrid lights, the Dolphins still have business to settle at home—starting with Jalen Ramsey. Whether it’s a mutual parting or a last-chance reconciliation, the clock is ticking.
The post Fresh Update for Mike McDaniel’s $72M Headache After NFL Sends Dolphins to Madrid appeared first on EssentiallySports.
