Jalen Ramsey, an All-Pro cornerback, has agreed to a lucrative contract extension with the Miami Dolphins, according to a source familiar with the deal. The agreement is reportedly for three years, worth $72.3 million, with an annual salary of $24.1 million, making Ramsey the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. The news, initially reported by NFL Network, comes just after Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II signed his own high-value contract extension.
Ramsey’s new deal pushes him above other highly-paid defensive backs, surpassing Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. and Green Bay’s Jaire Alexander. This is the second time in Ramsey’s career that he has held the title of the league’s highest-paid defensive back.
The Miami Dolphins originally acquired Ramsey in a trade from the Los Angeles Rams before the 2023 season. Unfortunately, a knee injury during training camp delayed his debut for Miami, as he required surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Despite this setback, Ramsey made a strong comeback, recording three interceptions and 22 tackles in the games he played. His performance reinforced his value to the team.
Recently, Ramsey has been dealing with a hamstring injury, causing him to miss practices ahead of the Dolphins’ season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. His status for that game remains uncertain.
The Dolphins have been actively securing key players throughout the offseason. In addition to Ramsey’s extension, Miami extended quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract, giving him a massive $212.4 million deal, and signed head coach Mike McDaniel through 2028. The team also restructured wide receiver Tyreek Hill’s contract.
Ramsey’s $55.3 million in guaranteed money with this extension adds to his career earnings, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. His deal with the Dolphins comes in the context of a highly competitive market for top defensive backs, with Surtain II’s recent contract setting a new standard just days prior. The Dolphins are aiming to maintain a strong, competitive roster as they prepare for the upcoming season.
