Jaguars Owner Shad Khan Willing To Give Jalen Ramsey Record-Breaking Deal
Tensions have been boiling between the Jaguars and Jalen Ramsey for quite some time. The cornerback wants out, but owner Shad Khan doesn’t necessarily want to let him get away, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports. 
The assumption has been that Jacksonville’s game against Tennessee last night would be Ramsey’s last in a Jaguars uniform. After all, Ramsey, who is due for a massive contract in the near future, requested a trade earlier this week, and virtually all of the league’s other 31 teams have expressed at least some degree of interest. Plus, the Jags have received multiple trade offers that include a first-round draft choice heading to Jacksonville, though it doesn’t sound as if a rival club has dangled two first-rounders, which is what the Jaguars are reportedly seeking.
But Khan apparently wants to continue building around Ramsey, one of the league’s best corners, and he’s willing to pony up record-breaking cash to do it. Presently, Miami’s Xavien Howard is at the top of the cornerback market in terms of total contract value ($75.25MM) and AAV ($15.05MM), while Washington’s Josh Norman is the pacesetter in terms of fully-guaranteed money ($36.5MM). Given his youth and track record, Ramsey should easily clear those numbers.
However, Ramsey is dissatisfied with at least one member of the club’s front office, and while we don’t know for sure, it’s reasonable to guess that he and executive VP Tom Coughlin don’t have the warmest of relationships. Perhaps a contract that far exceeds those of other top corners will be the salve that keeps Ramsey in Jacksonville for the long haul (unless another team does offer two first-round draft picks for him, which would be very difficult for Khan to turn down).
Ramsey refused to talk about his trade demand after last night’s win.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Latest On Jalen Ramsey, Jaguars
Although the sideline argument with Doug Marrone served as the most visible part of this Jalen Ramsey trade saga, the All-Pro cornerback said the Jaguars’ front office prompted him to seek a trade.
During an appearance on Uninterrupted’s “17 Weeks” podcast with Nate Burleson, Ramsey said he chalked up the issue with Marrone to heat-of-the-moment matters that can happen. But Ramsey indicated comments from Jacksonville front office brass in a recent meeting did not sit well with him.
“Some disrespectful things were said on their end that made me definitely walk out and call my agent as soon as I walked out,” Ramsey said during the podcast (h/t BigCatCountry.com). “I said, ‘It is time. My time is up here in Jacksonville. I want to ask for a trade.’
“… It was more about the front office and the organization. I called my agent after the game.”
He said the trade request had been “building over a little bit of time.” Over the summer, a report emerged indicating the Jags would not negotiate an extension with Ramsey this year. The two-time Pro Bowler indicated he would not give the team a hometown discount. Two seasons remain on the 2016 first-rounder’s contract. GM Dave Caldwell oversaw the decision to draft Ramsey at No. 5 overall in 2016. Jags executive VP Tom Coughlin was not yet with the franchise when that happened.
Ramsey is active for the Jaguars against the Titans tonight but expects to be traded before Week 4. Nearly the entire league has entered this pursuit, to some degree, with the Chiefs, Eagles, Seahawks, Vikings, Ravens and Raiders mentioned as the most interested suitors at this point. A trade could come as soon as Friday, and a deal may require a team to unload two first-round picks.
NFC Notes: Ramsey, 49ers, Zimmer, White
With another busy day of football news winding down, let’s take a look around the NFC:
- The 49ers are “not in” on Jalen Ramsey, a source tells Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. San Fran isn’t interested in trading for the cornerback because of the level of compensation that the Jaguars are requesting (two first-rounders) and the sizable extension Ramsey will expect to sign.
- Jason Verrett, who has dealt with health issues throughout his career, has yet to make his debut for the 49ers and the cornerback hasn’t ruled out requesting a trade. Maiocco (as he relays in a separate piece) asked Verrett if he would ask for one if he continues to be inactive for games and the CB responded with “We’ll see what happens.”
- In an interview on NFL Network, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said he wants to coach until he’s 70-years-old. Zimmer turned 63 in June.
- Buccaneers LB Devin White continues to sit out of practice, as Josh Alper of PFT relays. White injured his knee during the team’s TNF game against the Panthers last week and coach Bruce Arians insinuated that White would not be out long. Now, it’s looking like his status for Tampa Bay’s Week 3 contest is in doubt.
Almost Every NFL Team In On Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey is on the block, and just about every NFL team is interested, as Josina Anderson of ESPN.com tweets. Specifically, the Chiefs, Ravens, Vikings, Raiders, Eagles, and Seahawks have all made “substantive inquiries” on the Jaguars cornerback, Anderson reports.
At this point, it feels like a certainty that Ramsey will be traded. And that deal is expected to go down soon. The Jags are reportedly hoping to move Ramsey on Friday, though he’ll still suit up for Thursday night’s game against the Titans. 
In an interesting twist, the Titans also expressed interest in Ramsey, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears, though the price proved to be too high for them and some other interested teams. That, sadly, rules out a scenario like the famed 1978 76ers/Nets trade that saw Eric Money (real name) play, and score, for both teams in the same game (kidding).
In any sport, it’s dicey to put a player on the field when he’s on the verge of being traded. That’s especially true in football, but if this week’s rumblings are true, then the Jaguars will be willing to roll the dice for their national TV game against Tennessee.
After that, Ramsey will likely suit up for another club, but he won’t be eligible to play twice in the same week.
AFC Notes: Ramsey, Wynn, Conner, Brady
Coach Doug Marrone confirmed at Jalen Ramsey will play for the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football, as Tiffany Blackmon of NFL Network relays (Twitter link).
“Jalen and I have always had a good open relationship,” Marrone said. “…we sat down yesterday and talked about what went on with him and I… that’s behind us right now…”
Blackmon adds that Ramsey is focused on the game against the Titans. It was reported earlier today that the team may be targeting Friday as the ideal time to trade the cornerback. While we await to see if Ramsey ends up elsewhere, let’s take a look at some notes from the AFC:
- With LT Isaiah Wynn on injured reserve with a toe injury, the Patriots may move starting LG Joe Thuney to the tackle spot, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com writes. Wynn isn’t eligible to return for another eight weeks but it’s possible he finds his way back on the field at that point.
- James Conner‘s knee injury doesn’t appear to be serious, Jeff Hathhorn of 93.7 The Fan relays (Twitter link). Conner expects to play for the Steelers this Sunday.
- Tom Brady is dealing with a “minor” calf ailment, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com passes along on Twitter. Brady was limited today in practice, though there’s been no indication that his status for the Patriots’ game this week is in jeopardy.
Raiders Interested In Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey‘s time in Jacksonville may be coming to an end. The Jaguars play on Thursday night and it’s been reported that Friday is the “likely target date” for the team to trade the 24-year-old.
The Raiders are one of the teams that have checked in with the Jaguars about the cornerback, a source tells Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Ramsey has previously indicated that the Raiders and Titans would be his ideal destinations, though that was back in August before any serious chatter of the team trading him.
“I like (Las) Vegas,” Ramsey said back in August. “They don’t have any state income tax.”
The Raiders will move to Las Vegas next season. The move will be costly for the team and adding Ramsey, who will be expecting a new deal, could be problematic. Cash flow for an extension could be an issue for the Raiders, as Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune tweets.
Jacksonville is reportedly asking for two first-round picks for Ramsey with a 2020 first-rounder as a baseline in negotiations. The Raiders have two selections in the upcoming draft: their own and the Bears’ pick (from the Khalil Mack trade).
Jaguars To Trade Jalen Ramsey On Friday?
One of the league’s very best cornerbacks is on the block. The Jaguars seem willing and ready to move Jalen Ramsey, but they won’t deal him before Thursday night’s game against the Titans, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Instead, Rapoport hears that Friday is the “likely target date” for a trade. 
For a trade to come together between now and then, rival teams will have to step up their offers, or the Jags will have to reduce their asking price. Currently, the Jaguars are said to be seeking two first-round picks for Ramsey. Meanwhile, as far as we know, they’ve only received offers of one first-round choice from two different clubs.
Despite all the noise, Ramsey says he’s focused on balling out against the Titans.
“I have nothing bad or negative to say about anyone in the building. I don’t want to speak on it or give too much detail. I will let God do his work,” Ramsey said on Tuesday.
Jaguars’ Jalen Ramsey On Trade Demand
For those of you just tuning in, Jaguars defensive back Jalen Ramsey wants out. Teams are interested – and some have offered a first-round pick for the Pro Bowler – but the Jaguars are seeking two first-round picks, which may throw a wrench into things.
On Tuesday, Ramsey addressed the swirling trade rumors with reporters. Here’s a look at the highlights from his presser, plus more on the situation:
- “I have nothing bad or negative to say about anyone in the building. I don’t want to speak on it or give too much detail. I will let God do his work,” Ramsey said (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). Then, when asked why he wants out of Jacksonville, Ramsey said: “I’m super excited to play this Thursday….if I’m still here“
- Ramsey says he and his agent are not the ones who leaked the trade request (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). The corner says he didn’t want it out in public, because he didn’t want it to be a distraction to his teammates. Meanwhile, as of Tuesday AM, he has yet to discuss
- GMs around the league think the Chiefs will go hard in a pursuit of Ramsey, CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora tweets.
- A note from Albert Breer of The MMQB (on Twitter) – Ramsey’s agent, David Mulugheta, has landed huge deals for clients Michael Thomas, Landon Collins, Kevin Byard, and Earl Thomas in 2019. Ramsey’s trade request could put him in the same class. The Jaguars have been unwilling to give him a big extension, but other teams seem ready to do it.
Latest On Jaguars’ Jalen Ramsey
The Jaguars are seeking two first-round picks in a trade for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Albert Breer of The MMQB tweets. Furthermore, that asking price is just the starting point. 
[RELATED: Two Teams Offer One First-Rounder For Ramsey]
Ramsey, naturally, is a wanted commodity. He won’t turn 25 until October and is still under contract at below market rates through 2020 thanks to his rookie contract and fifth-year option. At the same time – it’ll cost a bundle to extend Ramsey on a long-term deal and two first-round picks is a lot to surrender.
As Breer notes, the asking price is not completely out of the realm of possibility, especially in light of the package – featuring two-first rounders – that the Texans shipped to the Dolphins to acquire Laremy Tunsil. For now, the asking price is too rich for the blood of most teams, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears. But, things could quickly change.
Teams Offering First-Round Picks For Jalen Ramsey
No surprise here – there’s a ripe market for Jaguars star Jalen Ramsey. Teams are interested in trading for the disgruntled cornerback and they’re not low-balling Jacksonville with their trade offers. 
One NFC team has offered up a 2020 first-round pick plus a fifth-round choice in 2021, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com hears (on Twitter). Meanwhile, an AFC team is pitching a first-round pick in 2020, plus an unknown player.
Tensions boiled between Ramsey and head coach Doug Marrone on Sunday and that could be the final straw to break the back of the safety’s relationship with the team. In recent years, Ramsey has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with members of the Jags’ brass, mostly as it pertains to his lack of contract talks. This time around, Ramsey’s beef extends to on-field matters. The Jaguars have asked one of the league’s best cover-men to play in a zone scheme, which doesn’t sit well with him.
Ramsey is under team control through the 2020 season, thanks to the fifth-year option the team exercised this spring. He won’t turn 25 until October, he’s still on a bargain deal for the time being, and he’s one of the very best defensive backs in the NFL. The Jaguars might not want him anymore, but plenty of other teams do.