On the same week Miami locked in head coach Mike McDaniel for the long haul, the Dolphins are doing the same for the cornerstone of their defense.
Jalen Ramsey and the Dolphins have agreed to terms on a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reported on Thursday, per sources.
The $24.1 million per-year deal will make Ramsey the league's highest-paid cornerback, per Rapoport and Wolfe.
Despite an adverse tenure in Miami, which includes multiple injuries dating back to last season, Ramsey's production as a lockdown cornerback has been invaluable for the Dolphins.
Ramsey tallied three interceptions and five pass break-ups in 10 games played during his debut season for the Dolphins in 2023, good for a 52.9 passer rating allowed when opposing quarterbacks dared to throw his way, according to PFF. His presence helped lift Miami into a wild-card spot amid a tight AFC race last season.
The Dolphins, in need of a corner that effectively blankets one side of the field, acquired Ramsey via trade ahead of the 2023 season. Ramsey certainly did that, but the utilization of his talents might change in 2024.
Anthony Weaver intends to move Ramsey around the field more in his first year as Dolphins defensive coordinator, calling the seven-time Pro Bowler "the ultimate chess piece." That would mean more play-making opportunities are in line for Ramsey, who's produced 22 interceptions, 97 pass defenses and six forced fumbles in eight seasons played.
Before we see how that plan plays out, Ramsey must first work through a hamstring injury that has kept him off the practice field in the lead up to Week 1. Mike McDaniel said he expects Ramsey to return to practice at some capacity on Friday, but the head coach is unsure if he'll suit up on Sunday.
The Dolphins can meanwhile take comfort in knowing the 29-year-old will remain with the club for the foreseeable future as Miami looks to break a playoff win drought with a contending roster this season.
The former first-round pick out of Florida State has been one of the league's preeminent corners since being drafted in 2016, earning three All-Pro selections. According to NFL Research, only four CBs in the Super Bowl era have more All-Pro honors than Ramsey -- Hall of Famers Deion Sanders (6), Rod Woodson (5), Darrelle Revis (4) and Willie Brown (4).
Ramsey seems destined to one day join them in Canton, and the Dolphins ensured he will play out the rest of his prime in South Beach by paying him accordingly.
