Before completing Tuesday's blockbuster trade to acquire cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Los Angeles Rams got a promise that comforted them in making the deal.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Ramsey promised the Rams that even if a contract extension isn't done in the offseason, he won't hold out next season — in a contract year — for a new deal.
Ramsey previously rolled into Jaguars training camp in a Brinks Truck — displaying that he would like a new deal with the team.
However, there is a caveat. Ramsey told the Rams, per Schefter, that if the two sides are unable to reach a long-term deal and Los Angeles uses its franchise tag on him in 2021, he can hold out, and likely will.
Nonetheless, the Rams got the luxury of Ramsey honoring his contract without the thought of a holdout. Ultimately, that led them to trade two first-round selections and a fourth to Jacksonville for his services.
Whether or not a new deal is pounded out now or later, Ramsey, barring an unforeseen circumstance, is virtually guaranteed to sign a record-breaking contract. Not only is he a 24-year-old two-time Pro Bowler and a 2017 first-team All-Pro, but he also holds all the leverage in the world. The Rams aren't mortgaging their future for two years of Jalen Ramsey.
If Ramsey and the Rams don't see eye-to-eye in contract talks before 2021 or if they franchise tag him then, they could always trade him to recoup assets lost to acquire him. Nevertheless, the Rams got themselves in a good situation with the franchise-altering trade.
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