The Miami Dolphins and cornerback Jalen Ramsey may be heading for a split after just two seasons together. The two sides have reportedly mutually agreed to explore trade options.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Gordon McGuinness recently identified five potential landing spots for the seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, naming the San Francisco 49ers as one option.
"The 49ers currently rank fifth in available cap space and have a clear need at cornerback, making them a logical candidate for a move like this," McGuinness explained. "However, with the recent trade of Deebo Samuel and recent trade rumors about Brandon Aiyuk, it's fair to question whether San Francisco is leaning toward reloading rather than going all-in."
The 49ers allowed several key contributors to walk in free agency, including starting cornerback Charvarius Ward, leaving a notable hole in the secondary. While most expect the team to address that need in next week's draft, McGuinness believes Ramsey could be a strong fit for returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
"With the 49ers frequently deploying Cover-3, this is another scheme fit that makes sense," McGuinness continued. "And given that the 49ers have frequently been mocked cornerbacks in the top-three rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, parting ways with one of those picks to land Ramsey could be just the move to make as they look to get back to winning ways in the NFC West in 2025."
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, any team trading for Ramsey would take on $21.1 million of his fully guaranteed 2025 salary, unless a contract restructure occurs.
Ramsey (6-1, 208) has earned a PFF defensive grade of at least 76.9 and a coverage grade of 71.9 or higher in four of the past five seasons. While his 85.7 run-defense grade in 2024 was the third-highest of his nine-year career, his 43.0 tackling grade marked a career low.
He finished last season with 60 tackles (six for loss), two interceptions, 11 passes defensed, and one sack while starting all 17 games, per Pro Football Reference.