Not much has gone right for the Miami Dolphins this season. As if a 1-4 start wasn’t bad enough, losing one of their best players to a season-ending injury will only make a potential climb back up the NFL standings even tougher to accomplish.
General manager Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel’s jobs are already in question after Miami entered the season with playoff expectations. If the Dolphins’ luck doesn’t turn around soon, the Dolphins could do what many teams with a losing record do: become sellers at the NFL trade deadline.
If so, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes Jaylen Waddle could emerge as a possible trade candidate. Though he also suggests the Dolphins may be hesitant to make such a move after Tyreek Hill’s injury, leaving the Dolphins awfully thin at the position.
“Trades are starting to fly off the board leaguewide. League execs are already wondering which struggling teams could enter fire sale mode. It would not surprise me if teams start to call on Miami receiver Jaylen Waddle if the Dolphins continue to struggle, though I highly doubt Miami would entertain that at this point, especially with Tyreek Hill out for the season.”
Jeremy Fowler on Jaylen Waddle trade
Waddle signed a three-year, $84 million contract extension with the Dolphins in May of 2024, so he’s under team control through 2028. That alone should be enticing for teams interested in a 26-year-old former No. 6 overall pick who started his career with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.
He’s recorded 23 receptions for 295 yards and three touchdowns already this season. With Waddle coming off a season-high 110 receiving yards, he’s now on pace for 1,003 receiving yards, which would be his fourth season over that benchmark in five years as a pro.
The Dolphins are currently in third place of the AFC East. If they can’t gain some ground before the trade deadline arrives following Week 9 and before Week 10, then surprise players like Waddle could very well be up for grabs. Chances are, there would be plenty of interest in Waddle.
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