CBS Sports analyst Tyler Sullivan recently highlighted the Detroit Lions as a leading candidate to acquire seasoned cornerback Jalen Ramsey, following the departure of Carlton Davis, whom the Lions had traded for only a season ago.
According to Sullivan, the Lions are one of just three franchises he sees as viable trade partners for Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro. He noted Detroit’s current championship aspirations make veteran experience particularly valuable, especially in the secondary, which allowed 244 passing yards per game last season — the third-worst mark in the league.
On Tuesday, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier confirmed that Miami and Ramsey have mutually agreed to explore potential trades during the offseason. While no specific trade package was suggested by Sullivan, it’s worth noting that Ramsey, who turns 31 in October, remains under contract through the 2028 season.
Although his age might suggest a short-term contribution, Ramsey’s presence could be pivotal for a Detroit team aiming to compete for a Super Bowl title.
Could Ramsey Fill the Void in Detroit’s Secondary?
Despite investing in both immediate and future talent at cornerback last year, Detroit’s defense continued to struggle statistically. The team addressed the secondary again this offseason, including signing D.J. Reed and drafting Terrion Arnold in the first round. However, Sullivan believes Ramsey could still offer a significant upgrade.
He emphasized that Detroit, with over $42 million in cap space (the second-most in the league), has the financial flexibility to take on part of Ramsey’s substantial contract — a three-year, $72.3 million extension signed with Miami last year that made him the NFL’s highest-paid corner on an annual basis.
A key factor will be how the Lions balance the financial commitment with potential draft compensation. Typically, the more Detroit is willing to absorb salary, the less they may need to give up in draft capital.
Weighing the Competition
The trade market for Ramsey could become competitive quickly, with multiple teams possibly entering the mix. While Detroit has the need and the cap space, the front office may be reluctant to get caught in a bidding war.
Besides the Lions, Sullivan pointed to the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals as other teams that could pursue Ramsey.
