Jalen Ramsey has been a centerpiece of elite defenses for most of his career, whether with Jacksonville, Los Angeles, or most recently, Miami. But after signing a lucrative three-year, $72.3 million extension in 2024-with over $24 million guaranteed-his Dolphins tenure appears to be fraying.
Injuries, reported friction with head coach Mike McDaniel, and looming salary cap issues have made a post-June 1 trade increasingly plausible. While moving Ramsey before June 1 would saddle the Dolphins with a $25.2 million cap hit, waiting until after that date drops the dead money to just over $7 million.
That drop has spurred multiple teams to investigate trade possibilities including the Cowboys and the Commanders.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, both NFC East rivals have expressed interest. But what once seemed like a clear Dallas move now feels like Washington’s to lose-largely because of Dan Quinn.
Rebuild with urgency and star power
After the Commanders were dismantled in a 55-23 NFC Championship loss to the Eagles, Quinn made it clear the team’s defensive failings wouldn’t be ignored.
He wasted no time adding new blood, selecting Ole Miss corner Trey Amos in the second round of the NFL Draft, and scooping up undrafted free agents Fentrell Cypress (Florida State) and Car’lin Vigers (Louisiana-Monroe). Those are promising moves-but they’re not game-changing.
A three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowl selection, Ramsey has logged 24 interceptions, 108 passes defended, and over 530 tackles in 134 career starts. He brings veteran leadership, physicality, and elite versatility-traits that Quinn covets in his secondary.
The two have crossed paths in the past, and a reunion in D.C. would serve both a schematic and symbolic purpose: Ramsey would immediately become the Commanders‘ defensive anchor, while Quinn sends a loud message to the NFC East.
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