GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals find themselves in a tight spot with the season-ending injury to cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting. The 27-year-old started 15 games in his first season in the Valley and was a reliable veteran presence in the secondary. His absence leaves a hole for Arizona, and general manager Monti Ossenfort has a chance to fix it by trading for Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Ramsey is due $24 million guaranteed next season, which makes the Dolphins, who are coming off a down year, looking to get value for the three-time All-Pro. The 30-year-old had two interceptions last year with 11 pass deflections, but didn’t make the Pro-Bowl for the first time since his rookie season.
The high price tag and his age makes Ramsey a risk for any team to take on that Burden. However, the Cardinals have the flexibility to reach on a player the caliber of Ramsey. Arizona’s cornerback room next season is filled with third-year or younger defensive back that could use a leader like the seven-time Pro Bowler.
The franchise currently has $32 million in cap space, and theoretically could make Ramsey’s contract work. Rookie cornerbacks Will Johnson and Denzel Burke could flourish as a protege for the best defensive back in the NFL for the past decade.
Ossenfort has an opportunity to seek out an All-Pro replacement for Murphy Bunting for Ramsey, who has played in 75 of a possible 83 games in the past five seasons. The Cardinals defense has seen the most improvements this offseason, with all the money spent on bringing in new players. The final piece could be taking a flyer on Ramsey to solidify the defense into being elite.
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