Jaguars: Jalen Ramsey not backing down from trade demand

Will the Jaguars have Jalen Ramsey on the field for the game against Denver or will the team be without him for the first time in his pro career?

It’s been almost two weeks since the news broke that Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey demand a trade from the team. As the coaching staff and the players prepare themselves for their Sunday game at Denver against Broncos, there is no real movement in any kind of trade being consummated.

And like last week, Ramsey was a guest on the “17 Weeks” podcast, speaking about his strained relationship with the team that brought him into the NFL, as John Reid of the Florida Times-Union wrote.

What we do know is Ramsey, although he has taken time away from the team to be with his family during the birth of his second child, is still focused on his trade demand. The Jaguars appear to be standing their ground, with no mention every potential deal in place.

According to Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone, who spoke with the media on Friday, Ramsey’s second daughter was born and both the mother and child are doing well.

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Both sides are playing this game of tug-of-war with no potential winner at this point. The longer this situation continues, it remains to be seen whether the All-Pro defensive back will play for another team this year, and if do what compensation Jacksonville will receive in return for his services.

"″I’m not sure if I’ve played my final game for the Jags yet or not, but my trade request still stands,″ Ramsey said. ″For me, respect is a huge thing. I kinda touched on it a little bit in last week’s podcast. But once respect is lost for both parties, I think it is time to part ways. I’m going to continue being a top corner in this league for years to come. The money will come, but money isn’t everything. Peace and happiness means a lot more than the money.”"

Even though he and head coach Doug Marrone decided Wednesday that would be best if he spent time with his family for the birth of his child, Ramsey was able to take time to once again speak on the issues surrounding his demand for the trade. The former FSU star outlined that he feels disrespected by the front office for comments made by team officials following the 13-12 loss to the Houston Texans.

It is believed that all 31 teams have contacted the Jaguars at some point since September 16 to see what it would take to acquire Ramsey. As of writing this story, no NFL franchise has hit the mark yet, and there is still a strong belief that the organization has no desire to let him walk without the price being right.

"″After the trade request went through and it hit the media and it kinda blew up throughout the week last week, I mean, the majority of my teammates, I’m pretty close with all the guys, I’d either told them previously already just so they wouldn’t be blindsided by it. Or if they did hear about it and come holler at me they all showed their support honestly,″ Ramsey said.″They understand, and at the end of the day it’s a business. I’m sure it’s a little battling of emotions for some of them as well, but they all definitely were super supportive, no matter what. And that was something I really appreciated. They were all super supportive and understanding.”"

Ramsey has been a controversial and outspoken figure within the Jaguars organization since he was drafted in the first round in 2016. While he has lived up to every expectation and then some, there’s always been the question of whether he would get the kind of contract he desired from the Jaguars – one that would make him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL.

Team owner Shad Khan has stated he is willing to do just that and grant Ramsey his wish, but because of salary cap issues and other house cleaning, that may not be able to happen until after the season.

There are other veteran players who are also seeking contract extensions (Yannick Ngakoue) or new deals with the team. Those “situations” also play to how the team will deal with the Ramsey and his agent.

While Ramsey left the team Wednesday evening, according to a statement from Marrone, it is not known whether he is going to play Sunday against Denver. While he has been listed on the team’s injury report for being absent for personal reasons, the team has officially listed him as questionable against the Broncos.

Defensive coordinator Todd Wash said when he talked to the media on Thursday the team has a plan in place to play with Ramsey as a starter and has also made changes to their game plan should he not be there.

It’s also important to note that Ramsey has never missed a game in the three-plus years he has been in the NFL. Should he missed Sunday’s game for personal reasons, this would be the first.