Miami is cutting ties with big names, and now one of their own star players may be signaling he wants out too.
Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, drafted 6th overall by the Dolphins in 2021, fueled trade speculation by liking a viral post claiming he told the front office ‘me next’ following the release of pass rusher Bradley Chubb and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.
The comment quickly spread, with many interpreting it as Waddle openly expressing a desire to leave.
The Dolphins released Hill, Chubb, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and offensive lineman James Daniels on Monday, Feb 16, signaling the start of a clear roster overhaul under new head coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Then, Waddle appeared to like the viral tweet from NFL reporter Adam Ferrell that shared the “me next” report, which many took as more than coincidence. The original “me next” comment originated from a parody account, but Waddle’s decision to like the post added real weight to the speculation.
#Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle reportedly told the Dolphins front office “me next” after the release of Bradley Chubb and Tyreek Hill.
Things are not looking good in Miami. pic.twitter.com/e4EmkBDuMx
— Adam Ferrell (@AdamFerrellNFL) February 16, 2026
Oh wow!!!! https://t.co/wiSw05501b
— Adam Ferrell (@AdamFerrellNFL) February 17, 2026
Miami’s Rebuild Puts Waddle’s Trade Market Back in the Spotlight
Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
This is not the first time Waddle’s name has come up in trade discussions. At last year’s NFL trade deadline, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Buffalo Bills offered Miami a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick for Waddle. The Dolphins turned it down, holding out for an immediate first-rounder.
Now, with Miami in full rebuild mode, that leverage may look different. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell recently noted the Dolphins are still expected to seek at least a first-round pick, pointing to Waddle’s team-friendly contract and the thin wide receiver depth left behind after Hill’s departure.
Waddle finished the 2025 season with 64 receptions for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns across 16 games on 100 targets, per Fox Sports. Over his five-year career, he has logged more than 5,000 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, recording at least 100 targets in four of those seasons.
Where Waddle Goes Next Could Define Miami’s Offseason Direction
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Oct 12, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) carries the football against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Daiyan Henley (0) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Dolphins have no shortage of interested teams. NFL Spin Zone identified the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, and Denver Broncos as realistic landing spots. The Bills remain the most logical fit given their continued receiver need since trading Stefon Diggs.
An in-division trade to Buffalo, however, carries obvious complications. League executives believe Miami will only move Waddle if the return genuinely meets their standards, regardless of where the offer comes from.
Miami’s new front office under Sullivan and Hafley appears focused on accumulating assets and resetting the roster rather than competing short-term. Whether or not Waddle’s “like” reflects genuine frustration or just humor, the timing makes it hard to separate the two.
With the franchise at this crossroads, his departure seems less like a question of if and more a matter of when and for what.