Why the Raiders Should Make a Trade for Jalen Ramsey

Jalen Ramsey

Getty Jacksonville Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey

It seemed like it was inevitable for quite a while and now it’s official: Jalen Ramsay has requested a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Ian Rapoport.

This comes just a day after the pro bowl cornerback and his head coach, Doug Marrone, had a very public flare-up on the sideline during Sunday’s loss to the Houston Texans. It’s no secret that Ramsey hasn’t seen eye-to-eye with the team that drafted him for quite a while. He hasn’t been quiet about how he wants a new contract and he doesn’t seem inclined to calm down about it any time soon. This move likely means that he’ll be out of Jacksonville before the season is over. While the price may be steep, there’s one team that could give the Jaguars what they want in return.

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Why the Raiders Should Make a Trade for Jalen Ramsey

The Oakland Raiders were riding high after an impressive week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. What a difference a week makes. After starting off strong against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 2, Oakland feel apart in the second quarter and allowed four touchdown passes in a short amount of time. If the Raiders are going to compete with the Chiefs for AFC West supremacy, they need to sure up their pass defense.

If Johnathan Abram didn’t go down for the entire season, this would be a different conversation. However, he did and the Raiders don’t seem to have an adequate replacement on the roster for him. Ramsey is very versatile and could play safety or cornerback. Oakland could use a player like him who could line up all over the defensive backfield. When he’s on, Ramsey is one of the best in the game. If the Jaguars are willing to take the Chicago Bears’ first-round pick for Ramsey, the Raiders should consider making that trade. They’re flush with cap space after letting go of Antonio Brown and could pay him what he wants.

Minkah Fitzpatrick is now in Pittsburgh, so that would’ve been the team’s other trade option. The Steelers gave up a first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Fitzpatrick. There’s no reason to think that Ramsey is worth much more. The Jaguars shouldn’t expect more than a first-round pick and Raiders have two. Another factor is that the Chiefs have been named as a potential trade partner. It would be really bad if the Oakland allowed Kansas City to get Ramsey.

Ramsey brings potential drama, but he also brings a proven track record. He was All-Pro in his second year and he’s still just 24 years old. He’s expressed interest in coming to the Raiders. If Ramsey cost more than the Bears’ first-round pick and maybe a late-round pick, Oakland should back out. However, if they don’t have to break the bank too much, Mayock and Jon Gruden should really consider making this trade.

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