Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey is currently one of the most prominent names circulating on the NFL trade market, and the Los Angeles Chargers have emerged as one of the teams he reportedly prefers. Given Ramsey’s high-profile status and proven track record, many Chargers fans have begun to imagine the possibilities of pairing him with All-Pro safety Derwin James. However, trading for a player of Ramsey’s stature involves significant risks, and recent developments involving another notable cornerback suggest the Chargers may not be serious contenders for Ramsey after all.
Jaire Alexander, a talented corner who recently signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, could have easily fit within the Chargers’ budget. At the time of his signing, there was no public indication of whether the Chargers made an attempt to acquire him, or if Alexander simply chose Baltimore over other offers. However, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Alexander only considered offers from the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons, leaving the Chargers completely out of the mix.
This lack of involvement in the Alexander sweepstakes casts serious doubt on any realistic pursuit of Ramsey. While each situation is unique, and Ramsey does have a more decorated career than Alexander, the disparity in potential acquisition costs is stark. Alexander came with no strings attached beyond a one-year commitment. In contrast, acquiring Ramsey would involve sacrificing draft capital and taking on a hefty long-term financial burden.
The Dolphins are eager to unload Ramsey primarily due to his contract, which includes a $16.6 million cap hit in 2025, escalating to $25 million in 2026, $26.8 million in 2027, and peaking at $36.1 million in 2028, by which point Ramsey will be 34 years old. Even if the Chargers technically have room to absorb this contract, that doesn’t necessarily make it a wise move. While there are contractual options that would allow the team to cut Ramsey early, doing so would still affect their cap flexibility going forward.
Additionally, it’s important to note that cornerbacks often decline as they enter their 30s. Ramsey, now 31, has already begun to show some signs of that natural regression. Paying a premium for what he’s already done, rather than what he can still deliver, is a dangerous gamble. Teams operating out of desperation might be willing to take that chance, but the Chargers’ apparent disinterest in a cheaper, younger option like Alexander suggests they’re not ready to swing big on Ramsey.
Though some fans might be disappointed, avoiding a risky and costly move like this could ultimately be in the team’s best interest.
Leave a Reply