Jalen Ramsey Trade: Possible Landing Spots

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As reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, it appears that one of the league’s best cornerbacks could be on the move very soon. The Los Angeles Rams are apparently having trade discussions with other teams surrounding star cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

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If/when Ramsey is traded, it would be the second time in his career in which that has happened. The Rams shipped a 2020 first-round pick, a 2021 first-round pick and a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire Ramsey in the middle of the 2019 regular season. In total, the Florida State product has been a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All-Pro selection. Jalen Ramsey also has one Super Bowl win in his career, winning Super Bowl LVI with Los Angeles very recently.

Like usual, the Rams are looking to clear some salary cap space. Ramsey could very well be a casualty for that, as a result. He is due $17 million in 2023 on a deal that averages $20 million per season.

Today, we will list five teams that could make sense as possible landing spots for the stud corner in a trade. None of these spots are guaranteed for Jalen Ramsey. Though, all five teams either have ample cap space or a possible need at cornerback entering 2023. Let’s kick it off.

Detroit Lions

There is no doubt that the Detroit Lions are an exciting up-and-coming team. Dan Campbell‘s squad nearly made the playoffs last season. With a deep and versatile offense, this group is not far from being postseason bound. On the other hand, the Lions need to show some strides of improving on defense in 2023.

Overall, Detroit finished 2022 ranked worst in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed. All told, this was a secondary that surrendered the third most passing yards in the NFL, while ranking 23rd in passing touchdowns allowed. Jeff Okudah arguably had his best season so far. Yet, more reinforcements are needed on the backend for the Lions.

Los Angeles and Detroit just made a major trade with each other not too long ago. Perhaps, they call up each other again for Jalen Ramsey. Outside of the need at cornerback, the Lions currently have a little over $22 million in salary cap space, according to OverTheCap. Ramsey would surely be able to match the energy and mentality that the Lions are looking to build around.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have quietly had one of the more effective defenses in the NFL over the past couple of years. However, three of their top defensive backs from 2022 are due for free agency this offseason. One of those is a highly replaceable player at outside cornerback, Eli Apple. Beyond those possible departures, Cincinnati is a defense that alters personnel fairly often, while looking to get as much speed and defensive backs on the field.

Given the top teams that the Bengals contend with in the high-flying AFC, Jalen Ramsey could be a solid addition. His physicality and tenacity would match what Cincinnati already has in the defensive front. Interestingly, the Bengals currently have a little over $35 million in salary cap space, per OverTheCap. Only five other teams have more available salary cap space, as things stand.

Baltimore Ravens

Let’s stick in the AFC North, shall we? One team that has been in some tight battles with those aforementioned Bengals is the Baltimore Ravens. Year in and year out, Baltimore is forced to defend the dynamic weapons of Cincinnati, namely Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

The Ravens need better results from their secondary in 2023. Like the Bengals, they have some top names due for free agency this offseason. Veterans Marcus Peters and Kyle Fuller may not be back. Even if they are, Baltimore must realize that neither player is at their peak anymore. Jalen Ramsey would be someone that could easily revitalize that cornerback room. As of now, the Ravens have around $24 million in available salary cap space, per OverTheCap. Only eight teams have more cap space than Baltimore right now.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders are a difficult team to pinpoint, in terms of what moves they make for 2023. They have many pending free agents at a number of positions on the roster. Of course, it is anyone’s guess as to who the new quarterback will be.

But if there is one thing the Raiders are known for, it is taking major gambles at improving the team. Las Vegas may not see trading for Jalen Ramsey as a major gamble, regardless. You are forced to play passing attacks led by Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert four total times each year. Outside of the intriguing Nate Hobbs, no standouts emerge in that Raiders cornerback room. Maybe Jalen Ramsey gives them a new, necessary edge at that spot. OverTheCap currently lists Las Vegas with a little over $48 million in available salary cap space, the third most in the NFL right now.

Washington Commanders

Of these five teams, the Washington Commanders currently have the lowest amount of available salary cap space. OverTheCap lists them with a little over $8 million right now. Even still, this is a defense that will be looking for a bounce back in 2023. The NFC East is arguably the most competitive division in the NFL right now. And for Washington, cornerback is a major need. If you are an avid mock draft reader, many people have been mocking cornerbacks to the Commanders for weeks now.

Jalen Ramsey is a perfect fit for the heavy man coverage that the Commanders are looking to run. Certainly, this cornerback has the length and ball skills to test top NFC East pass catchers like CeeDee Lamb and AJ Brown. Adding someone like Ramsey could help Washington take that next step in finishing tight games. Plus, the Commanders have been extremely close to making the playoffs. Jalen Ramsey would definitely give them a boost.

Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL articles and analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.