Jalen Ramsey, the superstar cornerback might just have exhausted his time in Los Angeles as the Rams are rumored to be shopping options for him
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.– The Rams are in cap hell. Just a year removed from their Super Bowl LVI win over the Cincinnati Bengals, it feels like their world has been flipped upside down. Drowning in cap space, it’s been apparent that the Rams are set to make some serious moves in order to remedy the situation.
One of those moves might be three-time All Pro selection Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey consistently has been regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs with a plethora of different accolades and awards that he can hoist on his trophy case. Drafted in 2016 as the 5th overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ramsey dominated in Duval before being dealt to Los Angeles in 2019 as a part of the dream team in order to bastion LA’s defense. Ramsey has recorded 19 interceptions over his illustrious 7 year career, earning himself several Pro Bowls along the way.
In 2021, the Rams went all in in order to win the Super Bowl, which ended up paying off. Their strategy was to sign big ticket veterans as a way to maximize their championship window by relying on a win now worry later mentality. That same philosophy has now come back to bite them. The trade of Matthew Stafford from the Lions and the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. are both proof of the Los Angeles’ underwater situation and now are having to cut unnecessary weight.
2022 was a disaster for the Rams in a year riddled with injuries and disappointment. The Super Bowl hangover effect took full control, going 5-12 with Baker Mayfield ending up being their quarterback to finish out the year. Now, it looks like LA will attempt to start with a fresh slate in 2023 by shopping trade deals for arguably one of the games’ best defensive backs.
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Ramsey himself has made references to getting traded on Twitter and other social media. His iconoclastic personality has landed him at odds with various entities between the league, players, and football pundits. His outspoken character usually has given us some clarity and insight on what the Rams are doing with them, with the 28-year old often speaking his mind freely.
The Rams’ rumored decision to start trying to move Ramsey comes at a point of decline for the cornerback. Jalen Ramsey allowed seven touchdown passes in 2022, which was more than he allowed in his past two seasons combined. He also managed to allow 712 passing yards, his highest since his 2018 campaign in Jacksonville where he gave up 749.
Ramsey’s rumors bank right off of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner’s release from the team. A sign of the times signaling that Los Angeles isn’t afraid to part ways with anyone they see as being a high price tag in the long run. The DB was owed $17 million in 2023, a sticker price that could be deemed too steep for the cash strapped Rams who are expected to make even more alterations to their roster as means to a more frugal team next year.
If Jalen Ramsey does get traded, the team would most probably seek to get high draft picks for him. Presumably in the form of 1st and 2nd rounders. That would also leave Los Angeles dangerously skinny at the cornerback position, leaving only: Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick, Robert Rochell, and Coby Bryant.
The Rams would save $5.6 million in cap space if he’s traded and save $25.2 million overall in cap room. Jalen Ramsey still has three years left of a five-year $100 million contract and is set to make a $7.5 million guarantee if he’s rostered on the Rams on March 20th.
