The Atlanta Falcons had a disappointing season in 2024 and a big reason was the performance of their defense. The Falcons ranked 14th in yards per play (5.5) 23rd in scoring defense (423 points) last season and they need to find quality defenders to help them turn it around.
While the Falcons have done their homework on this year’s draft class, it may not be enough to find someone that can make an immediate impact. Thankfully for Atlanta, a defender with ties to Raheem Morris and the rest of the coaching staff has just become available for trade and could help the Falcons get back on track heading into the upcoming season.
Jalen Ramsey Just Became The Perfect Trade Target For Falcons
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Miami Dolphins and Jalen Ramsey have mutually agreed to seek out a trade. Rapoport adds that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the seven-time Pro Bowler play elsewhere next season and the two sides could be parting ways as Ramsey is due $25.1 million in fully guaranteed money heading into next season.
The #Dolphins and seven-time Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey are mutually set to explore trade options and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he played elsewhere in 2025, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2025
Miami and Ramsey, due $25.1M fully guaranteed this season, could be parting ways. pic.twitter.com/rfbNDcNL6m
If you’re looking for where Ramsey could land, the Falcons could be at the top of the list. Atlanta needs help at cornerback across from A.J. Terrell as Mike Hughes and Dee Alford are projected as starters next season. While Hughes posted a respectable 71.9 overall rating and 71.4 coverage rating according to Pro Football Focus, the Falcons could use a shutdown presence like Ramsey, who graded 10th among qualifiers with a 76.9 overall grade last season.
Also connecting the dots is Ramsey’s ties to the Atlanta coaching staff. Morris served as Ramsey’s defensive coordinator while the 30-year-old spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Current defensive assistant Lance Schulters was also with Morris during Ramsey’s time in Los Angeles and the veteran corner praised Morris when he was hired by the Falcons last year.
“He the best for sure,” Ramsey said in January 2024. “He a good defensive mind, and really whole offense, he taught me so much, and he’s also a players coach he can translate, he knows relationships matter, and he’s probably the best I’ve ever been around.”
Ramsey doubled down with a post on his X account following the league’s Pro Bowl games.
Falcons got one of, if not the best coach in the NFL forreal! https://t.co/p24Q6U8aJv
— Jalen Ramsey (@jalenramsey) January 25, 2024
Before Falcons fans go and stitch Ramsey’s name onto the back of a jersey, there are some hurdles to clear. Ramsey’s guaranteed money becomes a problem when the Falcons have just $10 million in cap space and Atlanta may not have much to give Miami in a trade with just five picks in next week’s draft.
But if the Falcons find a way to make a deal happen, it could be a huge benefit to their defense and help Atlanta end a streak of seven years without a playoff appearance.