Rams' potential trade for Jalen Ramsey creates suspense at OTAs
As the Rams went through organized-team activities on Wednesday, the players on the field were not the most compelling storyline.
The distinction belongs to a certain NFL star player who potentially could be on the roster by training camp.
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Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who helped the Rams win Super Bowl LVI, remains in play as a possible addition to a Rams team regarded as a Super Bowl contender, coach Sean McVay acknowledged after practice.
The Dolphins have made it known that they were open to trading Ramsey, who signed an extension in 2024 and is due to earn $24.2 million this season, according to Overthecap.com.
'We certainly haven't closed the door on that,' McVay said when asked about Ramsey. 'But there hasn't been a whole lot of dialogue as of late…. We'll see if that changes, but these things can happen quickly.'
The Dolphins were not expected to trade Ramsey until after June 1 — which falls on Sunday — when their cap hit would decrease from $25.2 million to $6.7 million, according to Overthecap.com.
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Read more: Rams open season at home vs. Texans, will play Eagles on the road in Week 3
McVay reiterated that there remains 'a lot of layers' that would have to be worked out in terms of compensation the Dolphins might be seeking and how they would handle money due to Ramsey.
Ramsey, 30, intercepted two passes last season, increasing his career total to 24. The three-time All-Pro, however, affects the game beyond his statistics.
'Obviously, we love Jalen,' McVay said. 'We know him intimately. There would be some things that we would need to be able to do if that was the direction we went.'
With an offense led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and running back Kyren Williams, and a defense anchored by lineman Kobie Turner and edge rusher Jared Verse, the Rams are expected to make another deep playoff run.
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But the Rams did nothing in free agency or the draft to upgrade the secondary.
Veterans Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon return as the starting cornerbacks, with Cobie Durant, Emmanuel Forbes Jr., Derion Kendrick and Charles Wallace competing for playing time.
Quentin Lake, Kam Curl, Jaylen McCollough and Kam Kinchens are returning safeties.
'I feel good about where we're at,' McVay said.
Read more: Kyren Williams 'feeling good' about chances for a Rams contract extension
Darious Williams is confident in the group as well.
'I love that,' he said of the Rams not making changes. 'I feel like everybody in the building kind of knows what they have, and I think they're dead right on it. … They've got the right guys in the room that are going to hold it down.'
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But Darious Williams also recounted how Ramsey brought out the best in him when they played opposite each other in 2021, when the Rams won the Super Bowl.
'I knew absolutely, when he was on the other side, you know, I better lock up because it's not going to be a lot of times that people are going to want to try him,' Williams said. 'That was a big thing for me, and I took it as a challenge and I took it as something I loved.
'Whatever is best for this organization is what's going to happen.'
Etc.
Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson, a second-round draft pick, said his experience so far exceeded his expectations. 'Everyone's poured into me, so it's been an amazing experience,' he said. … Nacua was absent because he was returning from a family trip that was planned months ago, McVay said. … Stafford connected with Adams on several plays. 'It's fun just trying to communicate as much as I can with him,' Stafford said, adding, 'It's fun to work with guys that understand the game and still have a lot left in the tank.' Stafford also connected with Tutu Atwell for a long touchdown. … Running back Kyren Williams, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, is participating in workouts while the Rams and his agent attempt to work out a new deal. 'Kyren has been the same stud that we know,' McVay said. 'Great demeanor, great willingness to come out here to work to be able to get better. … We'll see where this goes. But I think it's been really healthy and positive progress for sure.' … Lakers coach JJ Redick attended practice.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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