NFL trade grades: Dolphins acquire Jalen Ramsey for pennies on the dollar

The Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams agreed to a blockbuster Jalen Ramsey trade. How did each team fare?

The Miami Dolphins are acquiring six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, in exchange for a third-round pick (No. 77) and tight end Hunter Long, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The trade will be officially processed on Wednesday.

Ramsey reacted to the news on Twitter.

Jalen Ramsey trade grades:

The Los Angeles Rams have been shopping Ramsey on the trade market for the past month. In February, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Rams were engaging in trade talks for Ramsey.

Let’s take a look at how each team fared in the deal.

Miami Dolphins trade grade: A

Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Last season, he had an 86.4 PFF grade (his highest since 2017). In coverage, Ramsey was targeted 91 times, which was tied for the seventh-most in the NFL. Despite the volume, he allowed a passer rating of only 84.5, which was 4.6 points below the NFL average. He also had his best season as a tackler. Ramsey had a career-high 88 combined tackles, while also posting a career-best 3.3 missed tackle percentage.

Ramsey will join a talented Dolphins’ secondary that includes former All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard and safety Jevon Holland.

The Dolphins will pay a small price for a player of Ramsey’s caliber. He carries a cap hit of $17 million this season, which Miami has the space to absorb. Meanwhile, the third-round pick and Long are not significant losses, given their present roster.

Los Angeles Rams trade grade: D+

I get it. The Rams had negative cap space, but moving Ramsey only saved them $5.6 million. The return is underwhelming, as well. The Rams traded two first-round picks to get Ramsey in 2019. He is 28 years old and playing at an elite level.

Long is an interesting inclusion. The tight end only has one career reception. He was a third-round pick in 2021. He will add some depth behind Tyler Higbee.

This move does benefit the Rams’ long-term outlook. They will absorb a $19.6 million dead cap hit this season, per Spotrac. So, Ramsey’s contract will be fully off the books in 2024.

With that in mind, the Rams could be sellers this offseason and look ahead to retooling to compete in 2024.