Is Jalen Ramsey on the Cowboys Radar?
A variety of reactions occurred this week when Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters that both he and star cornerback Jalen Ramsey are exploring trade options. Ramsey is 30 years old and is approaching the final years of his career, but still has plenty left in the tank. The Cowboys are often brought up as a destination when a big-name player is on the trade block, although they don’t often pull the trigger. Could the Cowboys actually make a move for Ramsey?
The Cowboys have two starting corners heading into this season with Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, although both have struggled with injuries in the past. Outside of those two, the depth is limited, and Ramsey would certainly rotate in. Ramsey is a true outside press-man coverage style corner, but has moved from system to system in his NFL career. With his age increasing, it only makes sense for him to move around more in the secondary. Some have suggested Ramsey consider a switch to safety, which many former All-Pro corners do as they approach their 30s. The Cowboys have a need at both safety and nickel corner, and with some rotational pieces in the secondary, the value is certainly there.
A trade would not cost a lot, but the level of draft pick could determine the amount of money the Dolphins are willing to pay off his remaining contract. For example, Ramsey is due $21 million this season. If a team offers a fifth-round selection, the Dolphins may accept the offer but require the team to take on the full contract. However, if a team offers a late third or fourth-round selection, they may only have to pay half of the $21 million—or even less. The Cowboys are still top ten in the NFL in available cap space with nearly $37 million. Dallas does not have a fourth-round pick, but they do have a third-rounder and two fifth-rounders. They could also use a draft pick next year. The Cowboys have the assets and reasoning to trade for the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive back with 24 career interceptions, and are certainly a team to watch a week away from the NFL Draft.
