When Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier stepped up to the podium for the pre-draft press conference, he immediately confirmed the rumors floating around that morning. Grier said that the Dolphins and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey were going to work on a trade.
In a new report from Armando Salguero of Outkick.com, the Dolphins timeline when it comes to a Ramsey trade was revealed. Salguero highlighted the big issue holding a potential deal up, and it entirely revolves around money.
The Dolphins largest hurdle in a Ramsey deal is the contract that they extended him to before the 2024 season. Ramsey, if traded before June first, would incur a $25.2 million in dead cap space charge, while saving just $8.5 million.
That's too much for Miami to take on, leading towards a post-June 1st deal to be the only reasonable outcome. In a deal done after June 1st, the Dolphins would save $9.9 million in cap space with only $6.7 million in dead cap.
To execute a post-June 1st trade, the Dolphins would be putting themselves out of contention for any 2025 draft pick. Any trade of Ramsey would occur using 2026 or later draft picks.
Waiting until after the draft could put Miami in a bind. Seguero reports that the longer the Dolphins wait, the more difficult finding a trade partner would be. But, with the money issues surrounding Ramsey's deal, the Dolphins have to wait to make a trade.
Salguero also reported that the Dolphins would likely net around a fifth-round pick for Ramsey. With the timeline established for a Ramsey deal, the expected fifth-round pick would be in the 2026 draft at the earliest.
The timeline for a Ramsey deal isn't the best for the Dolphins. With teams likely backing out after the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Dolphins not getting immediate returns for the 2025 season, a trade of Ramsey wouldn't be the blockbuster return the Dolphins are hoping for.
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