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 should be on the lookout for another wide receiver after Malik Nabers suffered a season-ending injury that is bad news for Jaxson Dart's development.
Waddle would be a massive upgrade for both teams, as he could be a No. 1 receiver on a lot of teams throughout the league. Pittsburgh would only need him as a No. 2, and he would serve as the Giants' No. 1 until Nabers returns 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. He did take a step back production-wise in 2024, but Waddle also missed two games and didn't have Tua Tagovailoa for a handful.
Waddle is a menace at all three levels of the field, but his elite speed makes him a deep threat and big play waiting to happen, also.
A duo of Metcalf and Waddle would amount to one of the better ones in the league and could propel Pittsburgh's offense to new heights. It goes without saying how huge Waddle would be for Dart, and pairing him with Nabers in 2026 would be about as good as it gets for a young quarterback.
It might be expensive to acquire Waddle, but bear in mind he remains under contract through 2028, and at a reasonable price ($28.2 million per year), so that softens the blow of whatever draft capital will be required to 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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