JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't giving up on disgruntled defender Jalen Ramsey.
The Jags would prefer to keep their star cornerback after several days of trade talks with other NFL teams, according to a person close to the situation. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity Friday because details of trade talks have not been publicly discussed. The decision came amid a much-needed 20-7 victory against Tennessee.
Ramsey hugged several fellow defensive backs after the win, appearing to say goodbye in what many believed would be his final game with Jacksonville (1-2). Behind the scenes, though, teammates, coaches and members of the front office were working to try to repair Ramsey's fractured relationship with the franchise, specifically with top executive Tom Coughlin.
Jaguars owner Shad Khan had several meetings at the facility earlier in the week in hopes of solving issues. That might include giving Ramsey the long-term contract extension he wants, the person said.
Jacksonville told Ramsey during the offseason it had no plans to pay him with two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff, Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz and Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott - three of the four players selected ahead of Ramsey in the 2016 NFL draft - already have signed extensions.
Although Ramsey causes as many headaches for his own team as he does opponents, there's no question the Jags would have a difficult time replacing him - even if they receive two first-round picks in a trade.
"My focus is so high on one thing that I really try to avoid all things that are going on around me," said coach Doug Marrone, whose heated exchange with Ramsey in Houston served as the catalyst for the player's trade request. "I've just been focused on really helping the players, really helping this team, win football games. All the other stuff - you guys know me better than anyone - my social skills aren't very good."