Jalen Ramsey Promised Rams He Won’t Hold Out If They Can’t Get Extension Done

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that before the Rams the trade with the Jaguars for CB Jalen Ramsey, he promised them that even if they do not agree to a long-term deal this offseason, he will not hold out next season in the last year of his contract.

However, if the two parties are unable to get a long-term deal and the Rams respond by franchising him in 2021, all bets are off and he could hold out at that point. 

Even so, the Rams got a promise that Ramsey would honor his contract that spays over the next two seasons, which made them comfortable enough to trade away two first-round picks and a fourth-round selection without a long-term deal in place. 

“That is a gift,” one league source aware of Ramsey’s promise tells Schefter. “Most guys when they get traded — Khalil Mack, Antonio Brown — they get traded and sign a new deal. He’s gifting the Rams two wholesale years and not requiring a rip-up.”

Schefter adds that Ramsey isn’t in any rush to do a new deal with the Rams and both sides are aware that his next contract will likely set a record for a defensive player. 

Interestingly enough, Schefter mentions that while the Rams want to re-sign Ramsey and intend to do so, they could still turn around and trade him to recoup their investment if they’re unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal. 

The Rams reportedly believe there would be a strong market for Ramsey that could include the Ravens, Chiefs, Eagles, Chargers and possible even the Jaguars.

Ramsey, 24, is a former first-round pick of the Jaguars back in 2016. He signed a four-year, $23.35 million contract and is set to make a base salary of $3.63 million in 2019.

The Jaguars picked up Ramsey’ fifth-year option that will cost them around $13 million for the 2020 season and will become fully guaranteed on the first day of 2020 league year.

In 2019, Ramsey has appeared in three games for the Jaguars and recorded 18 tackles, a forced fumble and one pass defense.