The Miami Dolphins have spent much of the offseason trying to find a way out of the Jalen Ramsey situation. So far, no deal has materialized.
Ramsey, one of the NFL’s most accomplished defensive backs, still carries value — both as a player and as a locker room presence. But despite post-June 1 cap relief making a deal more financially viable, trade talks have dragged on. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one major reason for the holdup is that “a lot of these teams are spooked by the money because of the $24 million guaranteed.”
Still, one proposal may finally give the Dolphins a way forward.
Ben Solak of ESPN recently floated a potential trade between Miami and the Carolina Panthers:
Dolphins get: 2026 fourth-round pick
Panthers get: Jalen Ramsey
“Why this deal makes sense for both sides: Ramsey is a fan of Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who coached him in Los Angeles, and the Panthers have a big need at safety opposite new addition Tre’von Moehrig. As 30-year-old Ramsey enters the latter part of his career, safety might be a better position for him,” Solak wrote.
“If he has the legs to play corner, starting roles on the outside and in the slot are up for grabs in Carolina. The team made huge additions across its defensive front this offseason but still needs help on the back end.”
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The connection between Ramsey and Evero makes Carolina an attractive landing spot. But as ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques pointed out, Solak’s offer also gives the Dolphins the best asset they’ve seen so far.
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“Considering the Dolphins gave up only a backup tight end (Long) and a third-round pick to acquire Ramsey in the first place, Solak’s offer is the closest thing to breaking even in terms of draft capital,” Louis-Jacques wrote. “An additional fourth-round pick from Carolina gives Miami a whopping seven selections in the first four rounds of the 2026 draft, including any potential compensatory pick.
“That’s more than enough capital to either stockpile young talent as the team continues to build its financial flexibility or put together a trade package for a difference-maker. Either way, a fourth-round pick is about as good a return as Miami could ask for.”
Without Ramsey, the Dolphins would turn to fourth-year corner Kader Kohou and former second-round pick Cam Smith. Grier has publicly put pressure on Smith to step up after two underwhelming seasons, and Ramsey’s departure would only raise expectations for the young defender.
At this point, if Miami is ready to move on from Ramsey and isn’t willing to absorb any of his contract, a proposal like Carolina’s may be as good as it gets.
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