For clarity, as of late June 2025, Jalen Ramsey is on the trade block following his 2023 extension with the Dolphins, which pays him over $20 million annually—around $25 million in 2025 . Here’s a breakdown of whether the 49ers should pursue him:
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✅ Why the 49ers might go after him
Cap flexibility: With over $46 million in cap space, San Francisco can absorb Ramsey’s salary and likely only give up a mid-round pick .
Instant upgrade: Ramsey out-graded every 49ers DB last season according to PFF and played all 17 games for Miami—he’d give SF a top-tier cornerback immediately .
Veteran leadership & versatility: A multiple-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champ, he adds star power and depth. SF could even shift him into a hybrid safety role .
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❌ Why it might not happen
Age and cost: At 30 and earning $25 million, he’s a short-term, high-cost investment—not ideal for a team building sustainable depth .
Uncertainty of fit: LA’s Sean McVay has hinted the 49ers might be steering clear of trading for him—and even the Rams aren’t biting yet, citing compensation complexity .
Long-term team-building: San Francisco is drafting aggressively for foundational needs (e.g., D-line, O-line, young DBs). A hefty trade-and-cap hit might disrupt that strategy .
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Final take: Do they need him?
Not strictly. The 49ers’ secondary already has capable players and draft capital. But adding Ramsey could elevate them back to an elite tier, especially in preparing for divisional battles against the Rams and Seahawks.
With strong cap space and only a mid-round pick potentially needed, it’s more a question of fit and timing rather than finances.
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What to monitor
Trade timing: Miami is likely to push a deal through after June 1 to ease cap burden .
Interest from rivals: Teams like the Raiders, Cardinals, and even a surprise from Baltimore are reportedly circling .
49ers’ draft strategy: If SF opts to prioritize a D-line or O-line pick—rather than trading away a mid-rounder—they may sit out.
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TL;DR: The 49ers can afford Ramsey and he’d be an upgrade—especially with his veteran pedigree and versatility. But at 30 years old, with massive cap impact, SF may prefer to stick with their current DB core and draft youth over making a splashy trade. Still, if they believe in their win-now window, this would be a power move.
Want me to dive into cap breakdowns, likely draft trades, or compare SF’s DBs vs Ramsey?
