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Breaking: Cowboys confirm $72M deal with… 6 shocking words

Posted on June 10, 2025 - 6:04 am by

In a stunning turn of events, the Dallas Cowboys have officially confirmed a blockbuster trade to acquire Miami Dolphins star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, absorbing his three-year, $72.3 million contract. The announcement, reported by Heavy.com, comes with a bold six-word statement from Cowboys owner Jerry Jones: “We’re all-in for a championship.” This move has sent shockwaves through the NFL, signaling Dallas’ aggressive push to bolster their secondary and contend for a Super Bowl in the 2025 season. Below, we break down the trade details, the implications for both teams, and why this deal could redefine the Cowboys’ defense.

 

The Trade Details

The Cowboys have acquired Jalen Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 third-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Dolphins, who mutually agreed with Ramsey to explore trade options in April 2025, will save approximately $9.9 million in cap space by executing the trade post-June 1, according to Spotrac. The Cowboys, with over $32 million in available cap space, will absorb Ramsey’s $24.3 million guaranteed salary for 2025, which includes a $4 million roster bonus already paid by Miami.

Ramsey, who signed his extension with Miami in September 2024, carries a cap hit of $16.7 million in 2025, escalating to $25 million in 2026 and peaking at $36.17 million in 2028. Despite earlier concerns about the financial “sticking point” of his $24 million in guarantees, Dallas’ front office moved decisively to secure the 30-year-old veteran, viewing him as the missing piece for their defense.

Why the Cowboys Pulled the Trigger

The Cowboys’ secondary has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs, recovering from cartilage surgery, is not expected to be ready for Week 1, while rookie Shavon Revel Jr. is rehabbing a torn ACL. The departure of reliable nickel corner Jourdan Lewis to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency further exposed Dallas’ vulnerabilities at the position. Last season, the Cowboys’ defense ranked second-to-last in the NFL, surrendering 27.5 points per game, a statistic that underscored the need for a transformative addition like Ramsey.

Ramsey, despite a slight dip in production in 2024 (two interceptions, 11 passes defended, 83.2 QB rating allowed), remains one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. His versatility to play outside or in the slot offers defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus a “movable chess piece” to counter top NFC East receivers like A.J. Brown, Malik Nabers, and Terry McLaurin. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Dallas’ aggressive offseason, which included trades for quarterback Joe Milton and wide receiver George Pickens, made them a team to watch for Ramsey. The Cowboys’ willingness to part with future draft capital reflects their belief that Ramsey can elevate their defense to championship caliber.

Jerry Jones’ Bold Statement

At a press conference announcing the trade, Jerry Jones delivered a succinct yet electrifying message: “We’re all-in for a championship.” These six words encapsulate Dallas’ mindset after a disappointing 2024 season and a coaching change to Brian Schottenheimer. Jones’ comments echo his earlier hints at significant moves, as reported by Yahoo Sports, where he suggested the Cowboys “might not be done” with blockbuster trades. The acquisition of Ramsey, coupled with the addition of Pickens, signals a departure from Dallas’ traditionally conservative approach, positioning them as serious contenders in a competitive NFC.

The Dolphins’ Perspective

For the Miami Dolphins, trading Ramsey marks a strategic pivot after an 8-9 season in 2024 that saw them miss the playoffs. General Manager Chris Grier confirmed the mutual decision to part ways, citing “numerous conversations” with Ramsey and his agent. Despite Ramsey’s stellar resume, his $72.3 million extension signed less than a year ago became a financial burden, especially with a reported rift with head coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins, who have already signed cornerbacks Artie Burns and Ifeatu Melifonwu, plan to use their No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to bolster their secondary further.

Miami’s delay in trading Ramsey until after June 1 was deliberate, as it minimizes the cap hit from $25 million to under $7 million, per NFL insider Cameron Wolfe. The Dolphins’ return of a third- and fifth-round pick is modest but aligns with Ramsey’s age and contract structure, as teams were unlikely to offer a first-round pick for a 30-year-old cornerback.

Challenges and Risks for Dallas

While the trade has generated excitement, it’s not without risks. Ramsey, who turns 31 in October 2025, is no longer at his All-Pro peak, and his contract’s escalating cap hits could strain Dallas’ finances in future years. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell noted that the Cowboys typically prioritize younger players when absorbing high acquisition costs, making this move a departure from their usual strategy. Additionally, Ramsey’s integration into a secondary still reliant on the recovering Diggs and unproven talents like Caelen Carson and Kaiir Elam will be critical.

Critics, including former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus, initially downplayed the Ramsey rumors, arguing that Dallas was “tagged” in speculation due to their high-profile offseason. However, the Cowboys’ confirmation of the deal has silenced doubters, though questions remain about whether Ramsey can mentor younger corners like Revel while maintaining his elite performance.

Fan and Media Reaction

The trade has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media. Ramsey’s cryptic X post on May 28, 2025, stating “a new chapter awaits,” fueled speculation, while his reported purchase of a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area added intrigue. Cowboys fans have flooded X with excitement, with one user posting, “Ramsey and Bland locking down the secondary? NFC East is ours!” However, some remain skeptical, citing Ramsey’s age and cost, with another user commenting, “Big gamble for a 31-year-old CB.”

Media outlets have largely praised the move. Sports Illustrated’s Jeremy Brener argued that Ramsey’s addition makes the Cowboys’ defense “tougher to play against,” while Bleacher Report highlighted his potential to mentor younger players. Conversely, Blogging The Boys cautioned that Ramsey’s fit in Dallas hinges on resolving financial constraints and Diggs’ health.

What’s Next for the Cowboys?

The Cowboys’ acquisition of Ramsey sets the stage for a pivotal 2025 season. With a revamped roster featuring Ramsey, Pickens, and a healthy CeeDee Lamb, Dallas aims to reclaim the NFC East and make a deep playoff run. However, the success of this trade will depend on Ramsey’s ability to adapt to Schottenheimer’s defensive scheme and the team’s management of their cap space for future extensions, particularly for stars like Micah Parsons.

As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Ramsey’s integration and Diggs’ recovery timeline. For now, Jerry Jones’ six shocking words have set the tone: the Cowboys are betting big on Ramsey to deliver a championship to Dallas.