In a surprising development that has created buzz across the NFL landscape, Miami Dolphins star CB Jalen Ramsey is reportedly available for trade.
While no deal has been made yet, several teams are expected to be in the mix, and one name keeps resurfacing: the Dallas Cowboys.
With a need to bolster their secondary and a long-standing interest in Ramsey dating back to the 2016 NFL Draft, the Cowboys could finally have an opportunity to bring one of the league’s elite defensive backs to Dallas.
Jerry Jones should be on the phone with the Miami Dolphins right now.
What Could Have Been
The connection between Jalen Ramsey and the Dallas Cowboys is no secret.
Back in the 2016 NFL Draft, Dallas held the #4 overall pick, and Ramsey was one of the top prospects on their board.
The Cowboys ultimately selected running back Ezekiel Elliott, a move that paid dividends over the years.
However, Ramsey, who went one pick later to the Jacksonville Jaguars, remained a player the Cowboys reportedly coveted deeply.
In the years since, Ramsey has consistently been linked to Dallas in trade rumors; from his departure from Jacksonville in 2019 to his eventual trade from the Rams to the Dolphins in 2023.
Each time, Dallas was mentioned as a potential landing spot, but never pulled the trigger.
With the Dolphins now listening to offers, this might be the Cowboys’ best and final chance to land the All-Pro cornerback.
Proof is in the Pudding
Jalen Ramsey’s track record speaks for itself. A 6x Pro Bowler, 3x First-Team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl champion, Ramsey has been one of the NFL’s premier shutdown cornerbacks since entering the league.
Known for his physicality, instincts, and versatility, he can lock down elite receivers on the outside, slide into the slot, or even play safety when needed.
Even in an injury-shortened 2023 season, Ramsey made an immediate impact for Miami upon his return.
He recorded multiple interceptions, demonstrated elite coverage ability, and brought veteran leadership to a young and aggressive defense.
His presence helped elevate the Dolphins’ pass defense to one of the league’s better units.
At 30 years old, Ramsey still has gas in the tank and the kind of high football IQ that allows elite corners to age gracefully. He’s not just a name. He’s still a game-changer.
He Fits Like a Glove
For the Cowboys, the potential fit is almost too perfect.
Dallas already has an excellent young corner in Trevon Diggs and a rising star in DaRon Bland, who led the league in pick-sixes in 2023.
Adding Ramsey would give the Cowboys one of the deepest and most dangerous secondaries in the NFL once Diggs returns healthy from rehabilitating his knee.
The move would also help Dallas combat the high-powered passing attacks of the NFC, including the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions — teams they struggled against last season.
Ramsey’s ability to shadow top receivers and his playoff experience would be invaluable on a team desperate to make a deep postseason run.
Additionally, his leadership and attitude could bring an edge to a defense already full of swagger.
Under DC Matt Eberflus, Ramsey could be deployed in creative ways. Potentially even reviving some of his hybrid safety-corner roles to keep offenses guessing.
Is There Enough Pie?
Of course, acquiring Ramsey won’t be cheap.
The Dolphins will likely want premium draft capital or a mix of picks and players in return. They shouldn’t, though. His mix of age and owed salary should bring the cost considerably down.
Ramsey will be due $21.5 million in 2025 after the Rams already paid him a $4 million roster bonus. Dallas has the cap room, but do they have the guts?
The Cowboys, notoriously conservative in big-name trades under their current front office strategy, would have to be willing to break from tradition.
However, with their Super Bowl window wide open and the NFC up for grabs, this could be the time to go all-in.
The Verdict is In
Jalen Ramsey on the trade block is big news, and for the Dallas Cowboys, it represents a chance to correct a nearly decade-old “what if” from the 2016 draft.
With a history of interest, a scheme fit, and a glaring need for more veteran star power on defense, this might finally be the perfect time for Dallas to make its move.
If they do, Ramsey could be the final piece that turns a playoff team into a true Super Bowl contender.