From the AFC South to the NFC West for the game's top cornerback
Ramsey traded to Rams for two firsts
Jalen Ramsey finally got his way and is on his way out of Jacksonville.
The deal
It’s happening: Former Jaguars’ CB Jalen Ramsey is being traded to the LA Rams for two first-round picks in 2020 and 2021, and a fourth-round pick in 2021, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 15, 2019
This isn't too far from what the Texans gave up for Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills. It is a hefty price to pay for cornerback help after they traded away Marcus Peters and put Aqib Talib on injured reserve.
This is a desperation move for the Rams who are squarely in win-now mode. It will be interesting to see how they work Ramsey into a future that includes heavy prices for Aaron Donald, Jared Goff, and Todd Gurley.
As for the Jaguars, there is almost no chance a player of Ramsey's talent is available where the Jaguars select using these Rams picks. But, Ramsey clearly wasn't playing for them. They might have done the best they could do in regards of what deals they could get for the stud cornerback.
Rams outlook
This doesn't help their offense but my goodness their defense got so much better. They have the best defensive lineman in football and now the best player in the secondary in the NFL.
Wade Phillips has to be smiling from ear to ear with this move. Especially after they lost one stud corner to injury and one was moved.
Not to mention, they helped fortify their offensive line with another trade with the Browns as well. This doesn't immediately flip everything, but the Rams are much much better than when the game finished against the 49ers.
Jaguars outlook
The Jaguars lose a leader and stud on defense while gaining a roster spot that was occupied by a player that wasn't going to play for them in 2019. This doesn't help the Jaguars at all in 2019 but it helps fortify a team down the road that might be cash strapped when looking to add talent.
It isn't the best move in the world, but once Ramsey made it clear he wasn't playing for the Jaguars this was the only move.
AFC South outlook
The Texans, Titans, and Colts have to be breathing a sigh of relief right now. To see a player of Ramsey's talent exit the division is huge. The Titans take over as the best cornerback room in the division but the Colts are no slouches either. It also ends the best 1-on-1 matchup in football which is DeAndre Hopkins and Jalen Ramsey when those two square off in what used to be a twice-yearly headline.
NFC West Outlook
The Rams defense is now the second-best unit behind the 49ers. They also now have the best secondary in the division when you factor in the depth of their safety spot and what Ramsey brings to the table. The 49ers and Seahawks have already missed Ramsey once, so the Cardinals will get the Ramsey experience twice. This could tip the scales towards the Rams in an intense matchup between Seattle or the 49ers if their offense could get going.
