Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle came up as a trade candidate in advance of Tuesday’s deadline. Ultimately, no deal came together for the 26-year-old, who will finish the season in Miami.
The Dolphins took calls on Waddle, but their asking price of a first-round pick and more was too high for other clubs, according to Connor Hughes of SNY.
With the Broncos in the market for a receiver, they were among a few teams to reach out to the Dolphins regarding Waddle’s availability, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports. In the end, though, the AFC West leaders didn’t add Waddle or any other wideout on Tuesday. Head coach Sean Payton said the Broncos weren’t close to a trade, adding they’re content with their roster (via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette).
Depending on how the rest of the campaign unfolds, it’s possible the Broncos (and other teams) will circle back to Waddle during the offseason. By then, the Dolphins will have a new general manager who could be amenable to moving Waddle. Even if the Dolphins promote interim GM Champ Kelly, who took over for the ousted Chris Grier last week, a deal may not be out of the question. Unlike Grier, Kelly was at least willing to listen to offers for Waddle.
If Waddle does stay with the Dolphins in 2026, which will be his sixth season, the former Alabama standout is likely to function as their No. 1 wideout again. Tyreek Hill was Miami’s leading receiver in each of the previous three years, but after suffering a season-ending knee injury in late September, he may have played his last game with the team. The Dolphins are expected to release Hill before the new league year begins in March.
Despite subpar quarterback play this season from Tua Tagovailoa, who may be playing for his job, Waddle is on pace for his fourth 1,000-yard showing. Nine games into 2025, Waddle has racked up 41 catches, 586 yards, and four touchdowns. With Waddle continuing to excel and under team control through 2028, Miami isn’t in any hurry to part with him.