The Los Angeles Rams appeared poised for a reunion with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Multiple reports—from ESPN’s Adam Schefter to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport—pointed to mutual interest, with Ramsey reportedly hoping for a return to Los Angeles. But on Sunday, that possibility slammed shut.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported the Pittsburgh Steelers had finalized a trade for Ramsey, with the Dolphins sending him to the AFC North in exchange for draft compensation. The move included a $1.5 million salary increase for Ramsey in 2025, raising his cap hit to $26.6 million—likely one of the main reasons the Rams didn’t pull the trigger.
Los Angeles Rams Miss Out on Jalen Ramsey Reunion Amid High Price Tag
Support Our Fight To End Fall Weddings
Speaking from Rams minicamp in Maui last week, head coach Sean McVay made it clear a deal wasn’t off the table—but admitted there were “real obstacles” in the way.
“Definitely don’t want to rule anything out,” McVay said. “But there would be some obstacles that are real… preventing that from occurring.”
Those “obstacles” were financial. Ramsey is set to earn $24.3 million this season, and his escalating contract complicates any attempt to fold him into a tight salary structure. The Rams, already walking a salary cap tightrope, weren’t positioned to absorb such a massive cap hit without major concessions.
With the trade window closed, the Rams will now rely on a young secondary led by Darious Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Cobie Durant. Though Ramsey’s return would’ve brought leadership and elite coverage ability to a rebuilding defense, the price proved too steep.
For the Rams, the focus now shifts to internal development and roster flexibility. As training camp looms, so does the realization: Jalen Ramsey won’t be returning to Hollywood—not because of a lack of interest, but because of a contract too large for even a Super Bowl hopeful to justify.
Subscribe to LAFB Network’s Los Angeles Rams YouTube Channel