With the Miami Dolphins openly shopping Jalen Ramsey and the star cornerback signaling his openness to a new destination, speculation has intensified around where the three-time All-Pro will land next. While much of the buzz surrounds a potential reunion on the West Coast, one NFC South contender is quietly making a compelling case for his services.
Buccaneers Emerge as Intriguing Destination for All-Pro Cornerback Jalen Ramsey
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have emerged as a team that could benefit significantly from Ramsey’s skill set, leadership, and versatility. Although the Buccaneers already invested in young cornerback talent during the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing in a veteran like Ramsey may be exactly what the team needs to make a deep postseason push.
Rumors going around that 3X all-pro future first ballot HOF cornerback Jalen Ramsey may be traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Miami Dolphins said they were open to it. But with the new rookie corner they just drafted do they really need to acquire him?. Any thoughts?? pic.twitter.com/9MabaM5q6T
— AllProMike (@GUTS4DAYZ) April 26, 2025
As David Helman from Fox Sports noted, “How about a trade that’d send Ramsey a short drive up I-75 to Tampa?”
A trade to Tampa Bay would be logistically attractive for multiple reasons. The Buccaneers not only have considerable cap flexibility but also a roster that appears positioned for serious contention in the NFC. The team’s defense, coached by the sharp-minded Todd Bowles, could thrive with Ramsey’s elite coverage skills and positional flexibility.
Despite Ramsey’s reported desire to return to the West Coast, where the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers are considered front-runners, Tampa Bay offers a compelling case from a football perspective. While both L.A. teams have clear needs at cornerback, each comes with contract complications. The Rams, for instance, would need to restructure deals to accommodate Ramsey’s contract situation.
Cap Space and Championship Window Create Perfect Storm for Bucs-Ramsey Trade
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, are in a more flexible financial situation and could integrate Ramsey without major cap gymnastics. The team’s recent success speaks for itself, as Tampa Bay captured its fourth consecutive NFC South title in 2024 with a 10-7 record and has qualified for the playoffs in five straight seasons.
Beyond scheme and cap logistics, there’s also a developmental angle. While Tampa Bay drafted two promising cornerbacks this year in Benjamin Morrison (second round) and Jacob Parrish (third round), Ramsey could play a mentorship role or even shift to safety alongside Antoine Winfield Jr., creating a versatile and experienced back-end defense.
Miami’s motivation to part ways with Ramsey stems from long-term cap planning and organizational direction. The Dolphins and Ramsey mutually agreed to explore trade options in April, with general manager Chris Grier stating it was “in the best interest for all parties to move forward.”
The seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback is guaranteed approximately $21 million in 2025, making him an expensive acquisition for any team. However, Tampa Bay’s successful recent track record, defensive scheme fit, and organizational culture could make them an attractive landing spot for the veteran defender.
Although no deal has been finalized, time is running out before training camp begins in July. As trade talks continue, the Buccaneers have both the resources and the motivation to make a play for one of the league’s premier defensive backs and perhaps reshape their defensive identity in the process.
With their recent draft investments at cornerback providing depth and future potential, adding Ramsey could give Tampa Bay the veteran leadership and immediate impact needed for another championship run.