One of the biggest cost-cutting moves the Los Angeles Rams have made this offseason was the trade that sent All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long. Many instantly questioned the deal as not nearly a big enough haul for a player of Ramsey’s caliber.
But as is often the case with trades in the NFL, values are rarely as high as the public believes them to be. Things like age, contract and player wish lists can often deter teams from giving out significant draft capital for a player.
Ramsey is only turning 29 during the 2023 NFL season, but he is guaranteed another $27 million over the next two years and that number would be significantly higher if he stayed with the Rams for the entirety of his initial contract.
But most importantly, Ramsey wanted to be a member of the Dolphins. Reportedly, the Rams chose to do this trade as a show of respect for their star cornerback, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated:
Two days later, Snead called back with a proposal, asking whether Miami would part with the 77th pick and reserve tight end Hunter Long. There were teams willing to go further than that, but the Rams wanted to do right by Ramsey, and they also knew what Ramsey himself did—that no one would trade for the corner without knowing Ramsey would sign off on the deal. Grier told Snead he’d get back to him and went to talk to Ross, Shore and McDaniel about it.
The Rams chose to go the respectful route in terms of a Ramsey trade, and they absolutely still saw the benefits. They saved plenty of money from the deal, which allows them to reload next offseason when they project to have more than $50 million in cap space.
And a third round pick is nothing to scoff at in the NFL. Some notable Rams third-rounders in the last six drafts include Ernest Jones, Terrell Lewis, Darrell Henderson, Joe Noteboom and, of course, Cooper Kupp.
Ramsey thanks Rams fans and organization
In a short but sweet message, Ramsey shared his thanks and love for the Rams organization and the fanbase, saying that he has more to say but will wait for a better time.
It was his final tweet to L.A. before officially joining the Dolphins as they chase a Super Bowl in 2023.
