Jalen Ramsey to the Las Vegas Raiders? That’s a headline waiting to happen. And honestly, it might just be the splash move the Silver and Black need—if they’ve got the stomach for it. An NFL writer recently linked Ramsey to the Raiders, let’s get into the details.
Ramsey Anticipating an Exit
Let’s start with what we do know. Chris Grier, the Dolphins’ GM, confirmed way back in April that the team is looking to trade Ramsey. That’s not speculation; it’s out in the open.
And now, national voices like CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin are connecting the dots, mentioning the Raiders, Falcons, and Rams as logical landing spots. So this isn’t just Twitter rumor mill stuff. There’s a pulse here.
Ramsey himself? According to Benjamin, he’s been “anticipating an exit for a while,” despite inking a three-year, $72 million extension with Miami just last September. That’s a quick about-face, but hey—NFL rosters turn over fast when you’re dealing with salary caps, egos, and team direction shifts.
And here’s the kicker: if Miami trades him after June 1, they save nearly $10 million against the cap. That’s a big financial carrot dangling in front of them.
Why This Makes Sense for Vegas
From a football standpoint? Ramsey would be an instant upgrade. The Raiders’ current CB room—Jakorian Bennett, Eric Stokes, Decamerion Richardson, Darnay Holmes—reads more like a preseason depth chart than a playoff-caliber secondary. They lost Nate Hobbs in free agency to Green Bay and only added third-round rookie Darien Porter. That’s a lot of inexperience and uncertainty.
Adding Ramsey would bring veteran swagger, leadership, and, most importantly, shutdown ability. He’s had 24 career interceptions, 108 passes defended, and a reputation that still commands respect—even if he’s not the same ultra-elite version from five years ago.
The Hesitations
Vinny Bonsignore with the Las Vegas Review Journal brought up some real concerns, particularly with Ramsey’s left knee—the one that required surgery and cost him seven games in 2023. Yes, he bounced back and started all 17 games last season. But at age 30 and nine years deep in the league, every snap is a reminder that time’s catching up.
Plus, GM John Spytek has made it clear he values homegrown development and wants to build from within. That’s why Porter and other young players might get longer leashes. It’s a classic team-building dilemma: invest in the future or fortify the present.
The Verdict? Do It.
Ramsey’s contract isn’t small, but the Raiders have $36 million in cap space—they can easily afford it. And while there’s some risk, the reward is too big to ignore. Ramsey gives you a legit No. 1 corner. He changes how opponents attack your defense. He brings swagger to a unit that desperately needs an identity.
If Vegas is serious about contending in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and a revived Broncos offense, they need a corner who makes quarterbacks hesitate. Right now? They don’t have that guy.
Ramsey might not be perfect, but he’s the kind of bold, decisive addition that could set the tone for a Raiders defense that’s already trending upward.
