Dolphins Predicted to Swing Big Trade for Jalen Ramsey Counterpart: A Bold Move to Strengthen the Defense
As the Miami Dolphins continue to shape their roster for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes are on their defense as they seek to build a more formidable unit. While the Dolphins have made a splash in recent years with big acquisitions on the offensive side of the ball, it’s clear that the next step in their pursuit of a Super Bowl contender lies in improving their defensive capabilities. According to recent reports and speculation swirling around the NFL, the Dolphins could be preparing to swing a big trade for a player who could complement Jalen Ramsey—Miami’s star cornerback—and make the defense even more dangerous.
The Dolphins, fresh off their acquisition of Jalen Ramsey in 2023, are already one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL. Ramsey, a former All-Pro cornerback with the Los Angeles Rams, was brought in to give Miami an elite presence in the secondary, a move that immediately elevated their defensive potential. However, despite the improvement, many analysts believe that the Dolphins’ defense still lacks a certain balance, particularly at the cornerback position, where they could use another top-tier player to create a dynamic duo alongside Ramsey.
The rumored trade acquisition of a high-profile cornerback would solidify Miami’s secondary and perhaps make them one of the most formidable defensive backfields in the league.
The Case for Another Cornerback
The Miami Dolphins’ defense, particularly under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, has the potential to be one of the most well-rounded in the NFL. Fangio, known for his innovative schemes and expertise in creating complex defensive systems, was brought in to turn around a defense that had been inconsistent in previous seasons. While the addition of Ramsey has bolstered Miami’s defense significantly, there remains a need for another top-tier cornerback to pair with him.
In Ramsey, the Dolphins have a player who excels in man-to-man coverage, has an exceptional ability to shut down top receivers, and can be trusted in both physical and high-stakes situations. However, as good as Ramsey is, having a reliable counterpart to him would give the Dolphins the flexibility to run more complex coverages and stymie some of the NFL’s most potent offenses.
Miami’s defense has struggled at times in key moments, and despite the presence of rising stars like cornerback Xavien Howard, there are concerns about consistency and depth. Howard, a two-time Pro Bowler, has shown moments of brilliance but has battled injuries in recent seasons. His performance has fluctuated, and while he’s still a talented player, pairing him with another high-level cornerback would create a much more balanced and formidable secondary.
The Dolphins could aim to upgrade at cornerback by making a bold move for a player who could complement Ramsey perfectly—someone who can lock down opposing receivers and allow the defensive line to pressure the quarterback more effectively.
The Trade Rumors: Who Could the Dolphins Target?
While the idea of adding another star cornerback to the roster is exciting, the question is who the Dolphins could target in such a move. Several names have been floated as potential candidates to join Ramsey in Miami’s secondary, and each would bring their unique set of skills to the table.
1. Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos)
One of the most intriguing names being mentioned is Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The 23-year-old is considered one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL and is already regarded as a shutdown defender. His ability to cover the league’s top receivers, combined with his athleticism and ball skills, makes him a perfect candidate to pair with Ramsey in Miami’s defense. A trade for Surtain would likely require Miami to part with several significant assets, but the acquisition of one of the league’s brightest young cornerbacks could provide the Dolphins with an elite secondary that could rival any in the NFL.
The Broncos have reportedly been hesitant to part with Surtain, but if a deal were to be negotiated, it would be a major win for the Dolphins, instantly elevating their defense to another level.
2. Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers)
Another potential target for the Dolphins is Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers. Alexander has established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, known for his ability to shut down opposing wideouts and his leadership in the secondary. The Packers’ situation has become murky in recent years, with the team in a rebuilding phase after the departure of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. If Green Bay looks to retool their roster, Alexander could become available for the right price.
Pairing Ramsey with a player like Alexander would give the Dolphins one of the most dynamic cornerback tandems in the league. Alexander’s playmaking ability, combined with Ramsey’s shutdown skills, could make Miami’s defense nearly impossible to beat in the air.
3. Marshon Lattimore (New Orleans Saints)
Marshon Lattimore of the New Orleans Saints is another name that could be on Miami’s radar. Lattimore has long been regarded as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections over his career. Despite the Saints’ strong defense, Lattimore’s age and contract situation could make him a potential trade target for the Dolphins, especially if New Orleans is looking to restructure its roster.
Lattimore would bring veteran leadership to Miami’s secondary, and while he may not be as dominant as he once was, his experience and ability to go toe-to-toe with top receivers would be invaluable alongside Ramsey.
What the Dolphins Would Need to Give Up
The trade rumors surrounding a high-profile cornerback target are certainly intriguing, but to land one of these elite players, the Dolphins would likely have to part with a significant package of assets. Given that Miami recently traded for Ramsey, they may be hesitant to part with more draft picks or young talent, but the opportunity to create an elite secondary could outweigh the cost.
If the Dolphins target a player like Surtain or Alexander, the cost would almost certainly include at least one first-round pick, along with several additional mid-round selections or players who could help offset the trade value. The Dolphins may also consider offering a young player such as cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, who has shown flashes of potential but may not be a part of Miami’s long-term plans.
Ultimately, the price would depend on the player and the negotiating leverage of the Dolphins’ front office. However, given the competitive nature of the AFC and the Dolphins’ desire to make a deep playoff run, they may be willing to make a bold move and sacrifice future assets to secure a top-tier cornerback.
The Impact of the Trade
Adding another elite cornerback to the mix would transform the Dolphins’ defense. With Ramsey already in place as a shutdown corner, the addition of another high-profile player like Surtain, Alexander, or Lattimore would allow Miami to lock down opposing wide receivers while freeing up the pass rush to get after the quarterback. The ability to run complex defensive schemes would make it difficult for opposing offenses to adjust, especially when Miami has the luxury of two top-tier cornerbacks capable of taking away key playmakers.
Miami’s defensive line, anchored by players like Christian Wilkins and Jaelan Phillips, could benefit greatly from the added coverage in the secondary. With less time to throw, opposing quarterbacks would be under constant pressure, giving the Dolphins’ pass rushers a better chance to capitalize.
The Dolphins’ defense would become an absolute nightmare for offenses, with one of the league’s best secondaries and a front seven that can get after the quarterback. Such a move would also provide Miami with flexibility when facing high-powered passing attacks in the AFC, especially against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals.
A Bold Move for the Dolphins
As speculation about a potential big trade for a Jalen Ramsey counterpart swirls, the Miami Dolphins are once again in the spotlight as they aim to solidify their defense. The addition of another elite cornerback would transform Miami into a Super Bowl contender with one of the most dominant defensive units in the league.
While the trade market is always fluid, the Dolphins’ pursuit of a top-tier cornerback to pair with Ramsey could prove to be a game-changer for their defensive ambitions. The move would not only help Miami compete for a division title but also give them the necessary tools to make a deep playoff run, potentially setting the stage for the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance in decades. As the offseason continues, Dolphins fans will be watching closely to see if their team is willing to make the bold move necessary to take their defense to the next level.