Jalen Ramsey, the newest Los Angeles Ram
The Los Angeles Rams made some waves this week by trading for Pro-Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. In return, the Jaguars receive a 2020 first-round pick, as well as 2021 first and fourth-round picks.
Ramsey Wants Out
Ramsey requested a trade following the Jaguars’ Week 2 loss to the Texans. He cited organizational disrespect as his reason for the trade request. Following Week 3, he sat with a back injury until being traded last Tuesday. Whether or not his injury was serious, or even real is up for interpretation. Initially, the Jaguars were asking for several first-round picks for Ramsey. They turned down offers of two first-round picks in exchange for Ramsey and a second-round pick. They did get a better deal with the Rams, but a first-round pick from the Rams in the next two years isn’t likely to be a lottery pick.
What About the Jags?
Ramsey’s presence will be missed on the field. On the plus side, management might have saved themselves a few headaches by avoiding his off-the-field antics. Jacksonville is currently tied for last in the AFC South with a 2-4 record, so it’s unlikely they’re making a playoff push anyway. Cornerback A.J. Bouye is just 28 years old and should have a few good years left in his tank. He’s not as good as Ramsey, but he’s shown that he’s good enough to serve as a shutdown corner. What Jacksonville does with the draft picks they received is largely in question. Do they draft a quarterback, or does the job belong to Foles or Minshew for the foreseeable future? Do they look for Ramsey’s replacement in the draft? The remainder of the season could clear the air on the direction the Jaguars are going.
Perfect Timing in LA
Ramsey’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time for the Rams. Their defense has taken a beating in the past few weeks. Former Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib will miss at least eight weeks with broken ribs. Standout safety John Johnson might not return this season with a shoulder injury, and starting linebacker Clay Matthews is out for at least four weeks with a broken jaw. Their other former Pro Bowl cornerback, Marcus Peters, was traded to the Ravens just moments before acquiring Jalen Ramsey. LA received linebacker Kenny Young and a 2020 fifth-round pick in exchange.
The team’s problems go beyond their defensive injuries. The offense hasn’t been close to meeting expectations. The Rams trailed only the Chiefs last season in total offensive yards. This year, they’re 12th in the league in yards per game. They’re also trailing both the 49ers and the Seahawks in the NFC West, with the Cardinals only a half-game behind. Starting the season 3-3 is not what fans or the organization expected from a team that just came off a Super Bowl appearance. The Patriots didn’t clobber them that bad, did they?
LA is hoping that Jalen Ramsey can revive the team’s dominance. But if Ramsey doesn’t like the team, we might see him on the bench again with a spontaneous back injury.