The Carolina Panthers may have overhauled much of their roster heading into the 2025 NFL season, but there’s still one glaring hole on the defensive side of the ball — and a potential blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins could fill it with a $72 million All-Pro upgrade.
According to David Latham of Last Word on Sports, the Panthers should make an aggressive push for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, a six-time Pro Bowler and one of the league’s premier defensive backs, to bolster their secondary alongside Jaycee Horn. Despite a busy offseason focused on building a young, dynamic defense, the Panthers are currently set to start veteran Michael Jackson opposite Horn — a dependable player, but widely regarded as more of a rotational or backup corner.
Latham writes:
“Nobody expects the Carolina Panthers to win the Super Bowl in 2025, but that shouldn’t stop them from pursuing a Jalen Ramsey trade. Head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan fixed the offense last year, providing a stable offensive line and nurturing Bryce Young’s development. Now, they’ve turned their attention to the defense — and Ramsey could form a dominant secondary with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Assuming Young continues his progress, this could be enough to take the NFC South.”
The Price of a Star
Ramsey, 30, is under contract through 2026 and carries a cap hit of $72 million over the next two seasons. The Dolphins may be open to discussions due to cap considerations and the emergence of younger players in their secondary. After dealing with injury setbacks in 2023, Ramsey returned to form in 2024, proving he’s still capable of locking down top receivers.
For the Panthers, acquiring Ramsey wouldn’t be cheap — it would likely require a second-round pick, a young defensive player, or both. But for a team that’s already invested heavily in defensive talent and believes it can compete in a relatively weak NFC South, it could be the finishing touch.
Why Ramsey Fits in Carolina
Carolina’s new-look defense already includes notable offseason additions across the front seven and in the safety room. Adding a shutdown corner like Ramsey would allow defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to be far more aggressive with coverages and blitz packages. A duo of Ramsey and Horn would instantly rank among the league’s elite cornerback tandems — particularly valuable in a division that features high-powered passing offenses.
Ramsey’s experience and championship mindset could also play a crucial role in mentoring younger defenders, while his versatility as a slot defender or boundary corner would allow the Panthers to mix up defensive looks.
What’s Next?
While no trade is currently in motion, buzz around Ramsey’s future in Miami has been circulating for weeks. Should the Dolphins choose to shop the star corner — either due to cap space or roster priorities — expect the Panthers to be one of the first teams to pick up the phone.
For a Carolina team looking to leap forward in the second year of the Bryce Young era, a bold move like this could be the spark they need.
Potential Trade Package (Hypothetical)
•Panthers receive: CB Jalen Ramsey
•Dolphins receive: 2026 2nd-round pick + CB Keith Taylor or DE Amare Barno
