49ers Could Trade for Jalen Ramsey Because of One Key Factor

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey prefers his next team to be on the West Coast. Could the San Francisco 49ers come calling?

The San Francisco 49ers' secondary has raised some concerns this offseason, but mainly due to losses of starting players in free agency. Safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Charvarius Ward each signed new contracts elsewhere, pushing a next-man-up plan after the Niners were relatively quiet on the open market.

Deommodore Lenoir has showed a lot of promise at one starting corner spot, but the 49ers may have to rely heavily on second-year player Renardo Green to fill in for Ward if the team doesn't add any more this offseason.

One factor suggests that San Francisco could get active in trade talks to strengthen the secondary.

NFL insider Adam Schefter reported this week that Miami Dolphins star cornerback Jalen Ramsey's preferred trade destination may be somewhere on the West Coast.

"Jalen Ramsey will get traded," Schefter said. "It will be, I would expect, before the start of training camp. We'll see how it shakes out, where he goes. I think he would like to go to the West Coast, to Los Angeles, Rams, Chargers -- somewhere like that."

Then again ... NFL players don't typically have that kind of pull in these situations, so anything is possible.

San Francisco - in addition to being on the Bay - has leverage over other teams based on their cap flexibility, which would benefit the Dolphins who are begging to offload Ramsey's contract and finally reach a divorce.

The 49ers currently have the second-most cap space in the league at $46 million. The two Los Angeles teams each have less than $30 mil.

Ramsey is set to make $25 million in 2025. That is likely too high a price for the Rams and Chargers ... even if they wanted him.

The Dolphins are just over a year removed from signing Ramsey to a massive three-year, $72.3 million contract. Now being 30 years old, those are two large roadblocks working against Ramsey and the Dolphins in getting an interested buyer.

San Francisco could be Miami's best partner, as the Niners should still be interested in finding a better replacement for Ward. Ramsey posted a higher PFF grade than any of the 49ers' defensive backs last season, so they'd actually be paying for an upgrade at the position.

We expect it may only cost a fourth or fifth-round NFL Draft pick in exchange for Ramsey, as the Niners will already be accepting to take on the intimidating contract. Miami might be happy with whatever offer comes so it can move on before training camp.

The character concerns will play a part in this decision, but from a money and roster-building standpoint, the 49ers appear to be a suitor for the former All-Pro.