Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been the subject of trade rumors in recent days. Waddle created a frenzy via his social media activity, behavior that allegedly included unfollowing various Dolphins players on Instagram and deleting recent posts, per various reports. It qualifies as intriguing with the NFL trade deadline roughly three weeks away.
The 1-5 Dolphins require a full reset. Major changes will arrive this offseason, potentially at general manager, head coach, and even quarterback. Additional draft capital is needed to help accelerate an inevitable rebuild.
Trading Waddle isn't a foregone conclusion, but he's easily the organization's most tradeable asset. The 27-year-old playmaker has multiple years left on a team-friendly contract extension. He'll garner interest around the league near the deadline. We've identified three potential destinations for Waddle if he's traded.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are... rolling? The Giants are 2-1 since naming rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart the starter. Most recently, Dart and fellow rookie Cam Skattebo executed a shocking 34-17 upset victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in primetime by accounting for five touchdowns between them.
The Giants have been considering trading for a wide receiver since losing Malik Nabers to a season-ending ACL injury. Acquiring Waddle would be a shrewd decision with long-term ramifications. It wouldn't be an all-in move for a 2-4 franchise. Waddle is signed through 2028 and would form a one-two punch with Nabers for years to come. There'd be no better way to help oversee Dart's continued development.
Buffalo Bills
Would the Dolphins consider the unthinkable? Trading Waddle within the division would draw irate reactions from a wounded fan base. If the Dolphins are heading for a full-blown rebuild, Waddle's landing spot wouldn't matter much to their long-term competitive window.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane would have to make the most aggressive offer for Chris Grier to ponder trading Waddle within the AFC East. Beane should try.
The once-perfect 4-0 Bills have dropped two consecutive contests. The offense has gone concerningly cold, averaging 17 points in back-to-back losses. Josh Allen lacks a go-to playmaker, with four pass catchers chipping in between 234 and 287 receiving yards to date. Waddle would immediately become Allen's most productive receiver.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are legitimate contenders within the AFC. Even after Thursday's primetime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, they sit atop the division at 4-2. The Bengals are without Joe Burrow for an extended period of time, and the Baltimore Ravens are shockingly 1-5. Aaron Rodgers is playing like a potential MVP candidate, with a league-leading 14 touchdown passes and 1,270 yards.
The AFC playoff picture is unpredictable. The aforementioned Bills have looked human in recent weeks. The Ravens appear headed for a wasted campaign. The uneven Kansas City Chiefs are 3-3. The Steelers should possess faith in their ability to contend with anyone in the playoffs. D.K. Metcalf has 406 yards and four touchdowns. No other Steelers pass catcher has even 200 receiving yards. Waddle would be the ideal Metcalf complement.