“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm,” Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote. For the Washington Commanders, that enthusiasm is starting to look like something more: a quiet but calculated arms race. And at the center of it all is a name Dallas fans know far too well—Dan Quinn. The former Cowboys defensive coordinator turned Commanders head coach is doing more than building a playoff team—he’s building a direct challenge to Jerry Jones’ empire. His latest target?
One of the league’s premier cornerbacks, Jalen Ramsey. Once the centerpiece of Miami’s defense, Ramsey now finds himself at the center of trade rumors. The Dolphins made him the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback just before the 2024 season—signing him to a three-year, $72.3 million extension with over $24 million guaranteed. But after injury concerns, reported tension with head coach Mike McDaniel, and cap constraints, Miami may be ready to move on. A pre-June 1 trade would hit the Dolphins with a $25.2 million cap charge. But after June 1?
That drops by over $18 million—making a trade financially viable. Now, per multiple NFL insiders, including ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, both the Cowboys and the Commanders have expressed interest in trading for the All-Pro. And while Jerry Jones has a history of aggressive moves, Dan Quinn may be the one pressing harder this time.
NFL RUMORS: The #Commanders are among the teams that are being linked to a potential trade for #Dolphins All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey, pic.twitter.com/gfjb3t66J4
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) May 25, 2025
Washington was exposed in their NFC Championship Game loss to the Eagles, falling 55–23 as their defense failed to contain Jalen Hurts and Philly’s air attack. That postseason collapse had Dan Quinn circling the wagons. He responded quickly, drafting Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos in the second round and signing two undrafted free agents: Florida State’s Fentrell Cypress and Louisiana-Monroe’s Car’lin Vigers. But none of those players bring Ramsey’s proven production.
Over 135 career games (134 starts), Ramsey has totaled 24 interceptions, 108 passes defended, 534 tackles, and three Pro Bowl nods. He’s not just a name—he’s a difference-maker. Ramsey has history with Quinn, and if the Commanders can manage the cap math, he could anchor a revamped secondary.
Meanwhile, the Rams are also reportedly interested in bringing Ramsey back to L.A. So Dan Quinn isn’t just battling Jones—he may be staring down Sean McVay, too.
Dan Quinn eyes veteran running back
But Quinn’s plans aren’t just defensive. According to multiple reports, the Commanders are showing interest in free-agent running back JK Dobbins, who quietly had a strong season with the Chargers in 2024 after an injury-riddled stint with the Ravens.
The 25-year-old rushed for 905 yards and 9 touchdowns on 195 carries last season. His ability to slash through gaps and contribute in the passing game gives him a rare dual-threat value—especially in Quinn’s evolving system. Dobbins’ rookie season (2020) saw him rack up 805 yards and 9 TDs on just 134 carries, flashing elite potential early. After setbacks in Baltimore, he revived his career in L.A.—and now may be heading to D.C.
With Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. already in place, Dobbins could form a three-headed monster in Washington’s backfield. He also offers WR2 flexibility, a trait that could be vital in spreading out opposing defenses in a conference full of aggressive pass rushers.
Image Credits: Social media, taken from Instagram @Jk Dobbins
In 2024, the Commanders posted 2,619 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns on 526 carries. Not bad—but not elite. The Eagles, in contrast, put up 3,048 yards and 29 touchdowns on 621 carries. Quinn understands that if his team wants to close the gap in the NFC East—especially with Philly reigning as Super Bowl champions—he needs firepower on both ends of the ball. Jalen Ramsey and JK Dobbins may be the next two pieces.
Whether or not the Cowboys make a serious counteroffer for Ramsey remains to be seen. But make no mistake—Dan Quinn isn’t just building a contender. He’s challenging his former team and former boss on their own turf. And if these rumors are any indication, he might not stop until he’s holding the Lombardi.
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