TL;DR
- * Miami Dolphins may now consider trading Jaylen Waddle after Chris Grier's departure.
- * Acquiring Waddle would be expensive, requiring a significant offer to pry him away.
- * The Steelers and Giants are potential suitors for Waddle due to receiver needs.
- * Waddle offers elite speed and explosive playmaking ability, a valuable asset for any team.
We've heard for weeks now that Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle won't be available at the trade deadline.
However, in the wake of the team parting ways with general manager Chris Grier, it appears the team might be softening its stance a bit.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins "would at least consider" a deal for Waddle, but he does note that acquiring the talented wideout would be expensive.
"Teams previously called Grier and were told Waddle would not be traded," he wrote. "Though now, the 27-year old, who signed a three-year, $84.5 million extension last offseason but carries a low base salary, comes to the forefront with Grier no longer in the picture."
"Sources say the Dolphins would at least consider dealing Waddle," Rapoport added. "It would be expensive, as young stars in their prime are, but not off the table. Something would have to blow the doors off for them to deal him. But, at least, GMs aren't being pushed to voicemail, metaphorically. With a dearth of pass-catchers available at the deadline, Waddle becomes the hottest commodity."
The Steelers are, of course, in the market for a wide receiver to add some support for Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf. The Athletic's Dianna Russini confirmed that is the case once again on Saturday.
The Giants ought to be watchful for an additional wide receiver following Malik Nabers' suffered a season-ending injury, which is detrimental to Jaxson Dart's progression.
Waddle would be a massive upgrade for both teams, as he could be a No. Many teams across the league have a single receiver. Pittsburgh would only need him as a No. 2, and he would serve as the Giants' No. For the duration of Nabers' absence until next season.
Waddle posted 1,000-yard seasons in each of his first three in the NFL, including a 1,356-yard campaign in 2022. While his production dipped in 2024, Waddle also sat out two games and was without Tua Tagovailoa for several.
Waddle poses a significant threat across the entire field, with his exceptional speed making him a constant deep-ball danger and a player capable of generating explosive plays.
A pairing of Metcalf and Waddle would rank among the league's elite and could elevate Pittsburgh's offense significantly. It's obvious how significant Waddle would be for Dart, and linking him with Nabers in 2026 would represent an ideal scenario for a developing quarterback.
While obtaining Waddle could be costly, remember he's contracted until 2028 at a reasonable $28.2 million annually, which helps offset the draft capital needed to secure him. Secure his services.
With new hope for a Waddle deadline deal, the Giants and Steeler should immediately pick up the phone and put in their offers.
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