With the Los Angeles Rams reeling from three straight losses, the front office deemed it was time to shake things up and made the biggest splash of the season by acquiring star cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
With Aqib Talib going on injured reserve, Los Angeles needed help in the secondary and Ramsey more than fills that need. Although the Rams gave up two first-round picks and an additional fourth rounder to get him, the former Florida State star is more than worth it given what he brings in to the table.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, it appears as though Ramsey is already looking to do his new team a favor:
Before the Los Angeles Rams completed last week’s blockbuster trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, they received a promise that made them comfortable with the deal.
Ramsey promised the Rams that even if the sides do not agree to a long-term deal this offseason, he will not hold out next season in the last year of his contract, league sources told ESPN.
Ramsey told the Rams, however, that if the sides are unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal and Los Angeles then uses its franchise tag on him in the winter of 2021, all bets are off and he could hold out, according to sources.
The corner is widely regarded as one of, if not the best, defensive backs in the league and it is expected his new deal will reset the market. Ramsey is currently signed through this season and the 2020 NFL season, but the Rams are likely to extend their new star before his contract is up.
Given what it took the front office to get Ramsey it would be foolish to let any contract negotiations drag on as it could hamper a deal getting done. With most of the leverage on his side, Ramsey should see a hefty pay raise so Los Angeles can ensure they have their man for several years to come.
Ramsey’s ability to lock down opposing receivers should be a boon for a Wade Phillips defense that has struggled to defend against the big play in recent weeks. With Ramsey in tow, he could be just the boost the team needs to get back on track back into playoff position.
