Las Vegas, NV — The Las Vegas Raiders are making a bold statement in their quest to rebound from a disappointing 4-13 season, announcing a blockbuster trade to acquire three-time First-Team All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins.
Ramsey, widely regarded as one of the premier defensive backs in the NFL, arrives in Las Vegas as part of a deal aimed at revamping a Raiders secondary that struggled mightily in 2024. The former No. 5 overall pick and nine-year veteran will bring elite coverage ability, leadership, and playoff experience to a defense that surrendered 29 passing touchdowns and just 10 interceptions last season.
The trade sends Ramsey — who is currently playing on a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension — to the Silver and Black without the Dolphins taking on significant financial burden. With Ramsey’s $16.7 million cap hit for 2025, Las Vegas was one of the few teams with the financial flexibility to make the deal, thanks to their $42.4 million in cap space.
“Jalen Ramsey is a difference-maker,” said head coach Pete Carroll. “He brings championship pedigree, intensity, and exactly the kind of presence we want in our locker room.”
The move comes just days after the Raiders selected Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter in the third round of the NFL Draft. While Porter brings speed, length, and potential, Ramsey offers immediate All-Pro talent to mentor the rookie and anchor the defense.
According to Pro Football Focus, Ramsey earned a strong 76.9 grade in 2024 — ranking 10th among all NFL corners — and is expected to solidify a shaky Raiders pass defense that ranked middle of the pack in yardage allowed and among the bottom 10 in interceptions.
NFL.com’s Nick Shook called the trade “a statement move,” noting Ramsey’s arrival gives Las Vegas a much-needed jolt of intimidation and legitimacy on defense.
With the deal now official, Ramsey is set to don the Silver and Black — ready to help Las Vegas end a three-year playoff drought and reignite the fire for a franchise desperate to return to its winning ways.
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