You have probably heard that second parts aren’t as good as the original but Shrek 2 and The Two Towers prove that’s not always the case. This is why the Jacksonville Jaguars should consider bringing All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey home despite the fact that their sting together didn’t finish on a high note.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that executives around the league believe the Los Angeles Rams could put Ramsey on the trade block. The three-time All-Pro cornerback is set to have a cap hit of $25 million in 2023 and trading or releasing him would create $24 million in dead cap with only $600 in cap savings, so it wouldn’t make much sense to move on from him. On the other hand, they could use the post-June designation and split the amount in two.
Ramsey is still among the top corners in the league and the Jags will most likely part ways with Shaquill Griffin, so they should give a potential reunion at least a thought. After all, the former Florida Seminole would round out a solid group that already includes Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams.
You could argue that Ramsey left Jacksonville on bad terms. Not suiting up in 2019 to send a message because he wanted a new contract wasn’t the best business decision and he might have rubbed teammates the wrong way. However, his dispute was mainly with the front office, not the coaching staff. Moreover, you won’t see players complain about him publicly, which would be the case if he were a bad sport.
So how could the Jaguars land Ramsey? Here are three potential trade offers.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars trade proposal for Jalen Ramsey – Draft picks
The easiest path is to straight up send a few draft picks to Los Angeles. Back when the Jags traded Jalen Ramsey to the Rams, they got two first-round picks. That won’t likely be the asking price this time around though when you take consider that whoever trades for him has to also take on his contract.
Two third-round picks seem reasonable. The Jaguars could give Los Angeles one this year and one next year. Also, they could add a sixth or seventh-round pick to seal the deal.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars trade proposal for Jalen Ramsey – Walker Little
The Rams need to revamp their offensive line. In particular, they need to fill the void left by the retirement of Andrew Whitworth, who hung up the cleats last offseason. Alaric Jackson and Ty Nsekhe both started games for Los Angeles last season but neither one is the long-term answer at the position.
The Jaguars signed Cam Robinson to a three-year contract extension worth $54 million last year and it doesn’t make sense to trade him from a financial standpoint, as it would create $24 million in dead money. On the other hand, Walker Little could be an option.
A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Little started five games at left tackle — three in the regular season, two in the playoffs — last season. Whenever he’s been given a chance, he’s shown starting potential. Moreover, the former Stanford Cardinal can line up at right tackle, having competed with Jawaan Taylor for the starting job in training camp.
The issue with trading Little is that he would be a realistic choice to Taylor at right tackle if leaves this offseason. If he does, and the Jags trade Little, right tackle would then become a need. This in turn complicates a potential deal.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars trade proposal for Jalen Ramsey – Josh Allen
Outside linebacker Josh Allen has been a mainstay of the Jaguars since joining the team in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The former Kentucky Wildcat had an impact right off the bat, registering 10.5 sacks and earning a Pro Bowl designation in his rookie campaign. However, a knee injury hindered his performance and forced him to miss eight games in 2020.
Allen got off to a hot start but eventually cooled down before getting hot again in 2021. He was dominant at times but wasn’t particularly consistent. Then again, most Jaguars players had a dip in production that year because of Urban Meyer, so it’s had to blame Allen for not being at the top of his game.
In fact, the team’s brass showed their trust in Allen when they picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal last offseason. Although the Virginia native reach the 10-sack mark, he was was more consistent than he was in 2021. He finished the 2022 season with seven pressures, a career-best four forced fumbles, and 77 total pressures, the fifth most in the league.
Allen is the Jaguars’ best pass rusher but it’s currently unknown whether the team’s brass will give him a multi-year deal. If they don’t plan to do so, they could trade him and get something in return. Maybe draft picks… or Jalen Ramsey.