In the dead of the offseason, proposing trades is always content that we can consider. Several players are considered on the trading block like Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
Pro Football Network proposed a trade candidate for each team to acquire. For the Arizona Cardinals, that is Ramsey.
The Cardinals’ offense was elite last season, but to truly contend for the playoffs, they need a better defense. Trading for a proven veteran like Jalen Ramsey could lift the entire group.
Now in his 30s, Ramsey has shown some signs of slowing down, but he’s still among the game’s top corners. Teams targeted him 71 times in 2024, and he allowed a 62% completion rate and an 83.2 passer rating.
It’s unclear if the Miami Dolphins will actually deal him, but the two sides mutually agreed to explore trade options earlier this offseason. Miami would save $9.9 million against the cap if they move him after June 1.
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The Cardinals’ passing metrics ay they need help in the secondary. They “finishing 27th in PFSN’s Defense+ metric” and “also posted the worst pass defense success rate in the NFL at 50.2%.”
But would acquiring Ramsey make sense when the Cardinals are bullish on their young group of cornerbacks?
Sean Murphy-Bunting’s season-ending offseason knee injury was almost a blessing in disguise because now it allows 2024 second-round Max Melton and current second-round pick Will Johnson to play. Is Ramsey currently better than either of them? Surely, but what will Miami want in return?
Acquiring Ramsey is more for a team who needs a final piece to make them more of a playoff contender. The Cardinals will compete to make the postseason, which means Ramsey might help, but will he fit long-term? The Cardinals are looking for something now and in the future.
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The Cardinals won’t deal for Ramsey, but he would make the secondary really fun to watch.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: CB Jalen Ramsey named top trade target for Arizona Cardinals