The Los Angeles Rams have made it clear following a disastrous 2022 season that they are looking to cut costs.
Los Angeles just recently released nine-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner. This was the first of what promises to be several moves as general manager Les Snead and Co. look to become cap compliant.
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the next domino to fall will likely be six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The insider reported on Friday that the Rams have had talks with other teams surrounding Ramsey. Sources indicate that it’s very likely Ramsey is dealt within the next couple weeks.
Ramsey, 28, is in the midst of a five-year, $100 million contract. He’s set to count a whopping $25.2 million against the cap in 2023. Meanwhile, Los Angeles find itself $15.6 million over the cap. You can do the math from there.
Related: Potential Los Angeles Rams salary cap casualties
Finances of a Jalen Ramsey trade from the Los Angeles Rams
If the Rams were to trade Ramsey prior to June 1, they would save a mere $5.6 million with a dead cap hit of $19.6 million. This makes it a likelihood that Ramsey would restructure his contract in order to facilitate a trade to a team of his choosing. This would also increase Ramsey’s standing on the trade market and what the Los Angeles Rams receive in return.
Remember, Ramsey hinted at the possibility of a divorce following the Rams’ disappointing 2022 season. Immediately after that, other reports broke suggesting that he could very well be on the trade block.
- Jalen Ramsey stats (2022): 88 tackles, 18 passes defended, 4 INT, 62.6% completion, 84.5 QB rating allowed
Despite some regression this past season, Ramsey remains one of the best cover cornerbacks in the NFL. Finances won’t get in the way of a contending team looking to make a move for him in a trade.
Related: Ideal Jalen Ramsey trade scenarios from the Los Angeles Rams
The New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys all come up as possibilities when looking at the dynamics right now.
As for the Los Angeles Rams, their win-now ways have come home to roost. After an injury-plagued and ugly five-win season, cutting fat off their roster makes sense.