The Dolphins' Dilemma: Ramsey's Contract Conundrum

The Miami Dolphins have found themselves in a tricky spot with Jalen Ramsey's contract. It all started last September when the team rushed to sign him to a new deal. This happened just days after the Denver Broncos made Patrick Surtain II the highest-paid cornerback with a new-money average of $24 million. The Dolphins' offer to Ramsey was a new-money average of $24. 1 million. Now, less than a year later, the Dolphins are considering trading Ramsey. This move could have big financial consequences. If they trade him before June 1, they will face a hefty $25. 213 million dead-money charge. This charge comes from the terms of his contract and the existing proration from his prior deal. After June 1, the dead money would be split into $6. 745 million in 2025 and $18. 468 million in 2026. Ramsey has already received a $4 million roster bonus on March 16. If the Dolphins had traded him before this payment, they could have avoided this expense. Ramsey also has a fully-guaranteed option bonus for 2025, amounting to $18. 98 million. The new team would be responsible for this payment, along with a fully-guaranteed base salary for 2025 of $1. 255 million. That's a total of $20. 153 million for a 31-year-old cornerback whose best days are likely behind him. This situation makes it hard to find a buyer. The Dolphins might have to pay part of that $20. 153 million to make a trade happen. The contract, which seemed risky at the time, now looks like a mistake. The Dolphins will end up paying a significant amount of money, regardless of whether they trade Ramsey or not. This is a tough lesson in the importance of careful contract negotiations in the world of professional sports.