The Dolphins aren’t shutting down trade calls on any player before Tuesday’s deadline, but one high-ranking team source tells me it’s “highly unlikely” Miami will move star receiver Jaylen Waddle – despite growing interest around the league.
At least one pass rusher is expected to be shipped out before the 4 p.m. ET cutoff Tuesday, according to multiple league sources I’ve spoken with. Trading Waddle, however, would be considerably more complicated.
For any team hoping to land Waddle, the asking price starts at what one source described as “a 1-plus” – meaning a first-round pick and additional compensation would need to head back to Miami.
While Waddle has generated the most buzz among receivers potentially available, teams aren’t expected to meet that steep price. Nobody I’ve talked to believes a franchise will part with both a first-rounder and additional assets – talented as Waddle is.
Could the Dolphins lower their demands as the deadline approaches? It’s the NFL – anything can happen.
Waddle might be Miami’s most valuable player right now. He’s also playing on a contract that will pay him approximately $40 million in 2026 and 2027 – a bargain compared to what other top receivers are commanding in today’s market.
The former first-round pick has already hauled in 41 catches for 586 yards with 4 touchdowns this season. His contract includes just over $16.6 million fully guaranteed in 2026, followed by roughly $15.2 million fully guaranteed in 2027 if he remains on Miami’s roster after the third day of the 2026 league year.
The pass rusher situation is different.
League sources believe it’s highly probable – even likely – that at least one of Miami’s edge defenders will be wearing a different uniform by Tuesday evening. Teams desperate for pass rush help have been eyeing the trio of Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb, and Matthew Judon. The Dolphins received multiple inquiries about all three players before GM Chris Grier’s departure Friday, and those calls are expected to intensify as the deadline approaches.
Following Thursday night’s loss to Baltimore, Chubb acknowledged that trade decisions weren’t in his control. Phillips, meanwhile, expressed his preference to remain in Miami – where he played his final college season and was selected in the first round of the 2021 draft.
The Dolphins (2-7) and Grier parted ways Friday in what the team described as a mutual decision. Champ Kelly has been named interim GM for the remainder of the season. Sources told ESPN that head coach Mike McDaniel – who’s faced mounting criticism – will keep his job at least through the end of the regular season.
McDaniel dismissed trade rumors about his players as “baseless” two weeks ago, but struck a more pragmatic tone Friday morning.
“I know those conversations when your record is as such – this is standard, this is how the business works,” he said. “So those conversations will be had. They’re very layered but always have the best interest in the organization in mind. I participate in those conversations when called upon. I know those will occur over the next coming days.”
He added: “But my main focus is coaching the players, and part of coaching players is having them understand that it’s not personal.”