The financial crunch
While the Dolphins officially placed Ramsey on the trade block this offseason, the Ravens are sitting on a tight salary cap. His 2025 cap hit alone is around $21 million guaranteed, with similar yearly commitments through 2028 Although restructuring the contract could provide some breathing room, acquiring him would impose significant cap strain. With existing commitments to Lamar Jackson and other core players, the organization risks sacrificing flexibility and depth on both sides of the ball.
Balancing veteran acquisitions with draft assets has been central to Baltimore’s success. Analysts pointed out that Georgia cornerback Nate Wiggins (first round, 2024), plus recent additions like Chidobe Awuzie and Robert Longerbeam, seemed to fill roster gapsTrading high-value picks—especially multiple mid-to-late draft selections—would be a sharp departure from the team’s preference to build through the draft. Giving up valuable picks for a 30-year-old could undercut long-term sustainability.
Roster depth & redundancy concerns
Adding Ramsey to an already crowded secondary could create a logjam. With starters Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins entrenched, plus newly signed Awuzie, the position group seems solid Ramsey’s arrival would displace players like Brandon Stephens and potentially veteran Jimmy Smith, relegating them to backups. While improved talent is undeniable, it risks disrupting chemistry and hindering younger players’ development.
Marginal improvement versus cost
Proponents suggest Ramsey could be the championship caddy Baltimore needs He brings leadership, versatility, and a proven playoff track record. But the Ravens already boast a top-tier secondary and are 2nd overall in Pro Football Focus coverage grades Critically, Ramsey would likely boost depth more than instantly redefine the unit. For the cap hit and loss of picks, Baltimore might instead channel resources into other needs—defensive line, edge rush, or offensive line—potentially making a bigger impact overall.
Organizational identity & strategy
Baltimore’s philosophy has emphasized homegrown talent and shrewd free-agent pickups. Acquiring Ramsey would break from that mold, signaling a pivot to win-now aggression . With a franchise QB on a budget-friendly contract, the current window is optimal—but still balanced. Overspending now could jeopardize cap health and roster construction in future seasons.
