Should Patriots repeat history with blockbuster trade for a CB?

Most of the conversation regarding the Patriots’ offseason improvement needs has revolved around the offense, which makes sense considering their defense has remained the elite side of the team.

But what if they dipped back into their old ways?

Similar to their blockbuster signings of Stephon Gilmore and Darrelle Revis, both of which helped win Super Bowls during their time in Foxboro, what if Bill Belichick repeated history? Could he acknowledge that the Patriots’ defense is superior and take advantage of that to make a massive trade for Jalen Ramsey from the L.A. Rams?

It may seem unlikely, but it wouldn’t be entirely out of the ordinary for Belichick to pull off the impossible.

What are the Rams saying about the newest rumor?

First, Rams COO didn’t stop the speculation that Ramsey could be on the trade block when he spoke to NFL Network last Wednesday.

"“But when you are a team like the Rams who’s had success, we have a lot of great players, people are always inquiring about our talent, and it’s not just Jalen. We get calls on all of our good players all the time. The next few months, we’ll see what direction this team goes but could not be more grateful for Jalen for what he’s done for the Rams leading this defense.”"

Ramsey responded to the buzz on Thursday via Twitter with a quickly deleted, then edited and reposted tweet, saying, “I can PROMISE you, I won’t get cut . . . now trade? Maybe lol.”

After the deletion, he reposted the quoted tweet saying, “100% chance I WONT get cut . . . God bless tho.”

Why would the Rams be interested in trading a star cornerback?

Although it’s uncommon for a team to trade one of their best assets, the Rams are currently $15 million over the 2023 salary cap. Additionally, they lived by the notion that draft picks don’t matter, leaving them with limited picks for the next several years. Combine those two factors, and you may see a team move on from a guy like Ramsey.

Back in 2020, the cornerback set a record with a five-year, $105 million extension, keeping him signed through the 2025 season. Unfortunately, he’s on the books with a base salary of $17 million in 2023 and a cap hit of $25.2 million, so trading for him would be incredibly expensive.

But what’s in it for the Rams?

Trading Ramsey after June 1st would add $17 million in cap savings, putting them back in the green before making any other moves. It would increase their dead cap over the next two seasons, however; $8.2 million in 2023 and $11.4 million in 2024.

It would be a lot for the Patriots to take on, but with Jonathan Jones headed to free agency and questions regarding Jack Jones’ future and Jalen Mills’ potential as a CB1, making an aggressive move for Ramsey wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Plus, the AFC East has only become more difficult over the last few years. The Patriots’ defense has to deal with defending the likes of Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Garrett Wilson, each twice a season. Putting together an elite secondary capable of slowing down top-name receivers would propel New England forward in their journey back to the top.

What would the Patriots have to give up to acquire Ramsey?

The most likely scenario would be draft picks. How expensive Ramsey would be is unclear.

With limited high draft picks over the next few years, on top of Ramsey’s elite talent, the Rams would probably expect at least a second-rounder, and maybe that’s not high enough. But Belichick could also add in a player to sweeten the deal, especially a young, up-and-coming defensive player, if he really gets his heart set on Ramsey.

Would it be worth it for New England to make this trade?

It depends on who you ask.

If Belichick is trying to create a team that is good enough on offense but is dominant on defense, acquiring an elite cornerback wouldn’t be at all surprising. But if he’s trying to build for the future, trading for a 28-year-old cornerback would be a big step backward.