As the 2024 NFL season began, it looked almost certain that the Miami Dolphins would be active buyers at the trade deadline. Although no team is ever guaranteed to make a trade — with about half of the league usually holding off once the season is underway — Miami was expected to be in a highly competitive division, making midseason reinforcements essential for a successful push through December, January, and possibly February.
However, the season hasn’t panned out as the Dolphins had hoped, leading some fans to question whether it might be wiser to offload current assets for future ones in the interest of evaluating their roster talent.
So, what should Miami do? Should they trade some of their star players to give younger talent a chance, accepting that the season hasn’t gone as planned and avoiding the risk of “throwing good money after bad”? Or should they throw caution to the wind, embrace a competitive mindset, and make a bold move by acquiring a top-tier player to give their season a late spark — even if it means climbing out of a significant deficit? This decision, and the consequences that follow, will likely define Miami’s season.
1. Trade Jalen Ramsey to the Rams for a conditional fourth-round pick
When the Dolphins traded for Jalen Ramsey from the Rams in 2023, it was seen as a major move. Ramsey, fresh off multiple Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl win, seemed like the ideal defensive playmaker to elevate a secondary brimming with potential, featuring Xavien Howard and eventually Noah Igbinoghene.
At the time, some considered them the top cornerback trio in the NFL, with the speed, size, and versatility to match up against nearly anyone. But in 2024, only Ramsey remains, as Howard has exited the league, and Igbinoghene is a deep reserve with the Washington Commanders. Ramsey, meanwhile, still delivers as a solid cornerback, now playing alongside Kendell Fuller in base formations and Kader Kohou in the nickel.
Had the Dolphins been leading the AFC East with momentum and a clear path to the Super Bowl, Ramsey would undoubtedly be a key part of that push. But sitting at 2-5, that possibility feels far less likely than it did in Week 1.
It’s certainly disappointing. But while the Dolphins struggle, the Rams are making strides in a wide-open NFC West. If they can beat Seattle this weekend and secure the top spot, they might consider trading a mid-round pick — perhaps a conditional fourth that upgrades to a third if they reach the Super Bowl — to bring Ramsey back for another championship run with Sean McVay.
This wouldn’t be the Rams’ first attempt to bolster their secondary this year; they signed Tre’Davious White to a one-year deal in the offseason, though that didn’t pan out as expected. Bringing back Ramsey, especially if White is included in the trade, would give LA the star power they hoped for and excite fans who always wished Ramsey had stayed. For the Dolphins, it could mean an extended look at Cam Smith on the outside, and they’d have the option to reevaluate in the spring if he doesn’t prove to be “the guy.”
2. Trade a conditional third-round pick for Devin Lloyd
If the Dolphins opt to be buyers at the trade deadline, upgrading the linebacker position should be a serious consideration. Currently, David Long, their weakside linebacker, has been struggling, ranking as the NFL’s lowest-rated off-ball linebacker according to Pro Football Focus (PFF) with an 80th out of 80 rating and a grade of just 37.0.
While it’s possible Long’s limited snaps (282 this season) have influenced his overall rating, his 2023 performance was also modest, earning a 62.5 PFF rating that placed him 56th out of 82 linebackers. This track record suggests that Long isn’t performing at the level the Dolphins need, especially considering that most teams have one or two linebackers who are stronger options.
Fortunately, the market could hold some intriguing options, like Jacksonville’s Devin Lloyd, a former first-round pick out of Utah State. Lloyd, standing at 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds with impressive range and long arms, has earned high praise from PFF in 2024. His grades include a 75.9 overall, a 64.5 in pass rush, an impressive 88.3 in run defense (ranking him 8th out of 154 linebackers), and a 64.1 in coverage. Lloyd’s versatility allows him to play either linebacker position in a 3-4 scheme, and he could be a dynamic weapon in Anthony Weaver’s defense rather than simply providing support for Jordyn Brooks.
If Jacksonville loses to the Eagles in Week 9, it’s possible the Khan family may decide to sell off valuable assets like Lloyd, especially as he’s eligible for a major contract extension soon. If Lloyd hits the trade block, the Dolphins might want to reach out, as he could be an impactful player for both this season and the long term.
Dolphins Bonus: Should the Dolphins be buyers or sellers?
With the Dolphins sitting at 2-5, they face a tough decision at the trade deadline: should they invest in the team’s potential, considering that many of their losses happened without their starting quarterback? Or should they face the reality that they’re still struggling, even with Tua Tagovailoa back, and shift focus to evaluating younger talent for the future? It’s a difficult call, as turning to younger players doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll perform worse, but it does indicate a shift in priorities.
The AFC East isn’t out of reach, though it’s clearly Buffalo’s division to lose, which means the Dolphins have an uphill battle if they want a wildcard spot in a stacked AFC. Their remaining schedule is almost evenly split between teams with winning and losing records, so General Manager Chris Grier has his work cut out for him. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping Miami’s season and determining whether they buy, sell, or stand pat at the deadline, especially with Week 9 and the deadline right around the corner.
