The Miami Dolphins dealt cornerback Jalen Ramsey last week, but according to new claims, that trade may have been brewing for quite some time.
In a recent column, Miami Sun-Sentinel sports writer Dave Hyde suggested that Ramsey’s exit wasn’t just about football. Hyde reported that Ramsey had “worn out his welcome” in Miami, citing alleged issues with punctuality — including instances where he reportedly showed up to practice while the rest of the team was already stretching.
Hyde also alleged that Ramsey actively undercut the authority of former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in 2023, and later did the same to head coach Mike McDaniel in 2024, “in a manner that spread like a bad odor through the larger team.”
What makes this all the more surprising is that, despite these reported issues, the Dolphins still chose to sign Ramsey to a massive contract extension during that time. It suggests the team either didn’t view his behavior as a major issue or believed his elite performance justified the risk.
Tensions with Fangio weren’t exactly a well-kept secret — and by the time Ramsey’s behavior became more widely discussed, Fangio had already moved on from the team.
Ramsey was eventually traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who sent former Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick in return. It’s worth noting that the Los Angeles Rams also appeared ready to part ways with Ramsey in 2023, which may indicate a broader pattern.