:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65259649/usa_today_13369571.0.jpg)
The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in a difficult situation heading into a Thursday night game against division rivals the Tennessee Titans. With news breaking that star cornerback Jalen Ramsey has asked for a trade, the focus now turns what the asking price would be and where would he go.
Speculation is varied.
The Jaguars are asking teams for at least one first-round pick in return for Pro Bowl CB Jalen Ramsey, but want more than that in return, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2019
Ramsey is the best corner in the league when he's on his game.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) September 16, 2019
Jaguars really don’t want to trade Jalen — and considering they still have a fifth-year option on him in 2020, they have very little incentive to do so. That’s a tricky one. A little like Minkah in Miami. Without significant value, if I’m the team, I hold firm. No need to rush.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) September 16, 2019
The request comes on the heals of an altercation between Ramsey and head coach Doug Marrone. Ramsey wanted Marrone to challenge a catch by Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Ramsey had words with Marrone as he was leaving the field, and it escalated when the head coach walked over to the bench where Ramsey was sitting. Other Jaguars players had to separate them.
This, however, may simply be the straw that broke the camels back. Ramsey has long been a critic of how the Jaguars defensive scheme does not play to their strengths, which for Ramsey is man coverage. A long open wound, and in an attempt to salvage whatever team unity might be left, unloading Ramsey might be the only option.
And one that might happen sooner rather than later.
Adam Shefter is reporting the trade could happen as early as this week.
One league source said he believes Jaguars’ CB Jalen Ramsey could be traded this week, that once there is a sideline confrontation between a head coach and a player, both sides have to move on.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2019
The Jaguars were dealing with grooming a rookie 6th round quarterback in Gardner Minshew, which is enough of a burden. His success is now muted by darkness that is a Jaguars team without Jalen Ramsey.
Having this happen days before the Titans game, a team that Ramsey has said he would like to play for, makes matters that much worse. If Schefter is correct this could be the first sign of significant change during and after the season.
Ramsey is one of the few bright spots in the David Caldwell and Tom Coughlin era. Losing him may be a hard sell to an already divided fan base.