The Miami Dolphins have a massive question mark at the cornerback position ahead of the 2025 season, as the team is looking to trade veteran Jalen Ramsey.
After reports revealed that was the plan, general manager Chris Grier admitted that is indeed the situation with Ramsey currently. Grier also noted after the draft that the Dolphins had trade conversations surrounding Ramsey.
"We had conversations through the weekend with teams. Whenever it happens, we will make the deal at the appropriate time," Grier told reporters, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Even if Ramsey stays, the Dolphins could use more help at cornerback. Of course, the need becomes much more dire if the seven-time Pro Bowler is traded, which looks likely.
Because of that reality, Pro Football and Sports Network's Sterling Xie is predicting the Dolphins will sign former Minnesota Vikings cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
"Gilmore is getting up there in his 14th season, as he and Ramsey would make for one of the oldest cornerback duos in recent memory if no trade occurs. Still, he continues to be a high performer, as his 7.1 yards per target allowed ranked 11th out of 30 players to be targeted 80+ times in 2024," Xie said.
"Going from Brian Flores’ defense to Anthony Weaver’s scheme shouldn’t be a huge transition either. The Dolphins and Vikings had very similar coverage tendencies in 2024," Xie added. "Both ranked highly in percentage of two-high safety coverages (Vikings were first, Dolphins were seventh) and Cover-2 specifically (Vikings were second, Dolphins were fourth)."
Once considered an elite cornerback, Gilmore might not be the same player he once was, but he's still a starting-caliber player, as evidenced by his surrendering a completion rate of 61.9% and a passer rating of 94.1 in 2024.
Gilmore would be a cheap and solid stopgap option for the Dolphins once they trade Ramsey. Spotrac projects the veteran cornerback to come away with a one-year, $5.3 million deal in free agency, a price the Dolphins can easily afford.