The Miami Dolphins' blockbuster trade to send star wideout Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos is poised to benefit both teams in the long run. But most NFL fans seem to believe that there was a third team that emerged as the "winner" of the trade: The Philadelphia Eagles.
Miami managed to recoup a first-round pick in exchange for Waddle. It's worth noting that Waddle, while talented, has never made the Pro Bowl and has gone back-to-back seasons without going over 1,000 yards.
That has many fans and analysts boldly declaring that the Eagles are destined to receive a massive haul from any team trying to trade for disgruntled wide receiver A.J. Brown. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is reportedly seeking a first-round draft pick and a second-round draft pick, and everyone now agrees that he might as well stick to his asking price without wavering.
"The #Eagles are a big winner from the Jaylen Waddle-Broncos trade. AJ Brown is only 17 months older than Waddle, and there's no question that he's more talented. He's also under contract for a year longer than Waddle is. Howie Roseman's asking price of a first- and second-round pick isn't far-fetched considering what Miami just got for their star receiver," Arye Pulli of SleeperHQ summarized on X.
A winner before they do anything
Not everyone believes that though.
"Counterpoint: It takes another of the WR-needy suitors off the table. If a team like NE (who seems to be the longest engaged partner with PHI for AJB) doesn't wanna pay Howie's price, it's a bit of a stalemate no?" one user argued on X.
"Waddle is cheaper and much more talented. He's versatile and can fit both as an X and slot, won't have to play Z in Denver bc of Sutton but he is able to. Obviously a huge vertical threat as well, McDaniel just preferred Hill for those concepts," another argued.
"They basically just got a 1st and a 3rd for a younger receiver that currently doesn't have attitude or similar injury concerns. To me this put AJ at a 1st and 3rd, or realistically a 1st and a 4th. Also if the rumors of Brown really wanting out are true this may lower the price further since there is no other team reportedly interested," a third remarked.
Dec 20, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) leaves the field after the game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images © Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
As of writing, the Eagles still haven't traded A.J. Brown despite near-constant rumors that a deal is imminent. The New England Patriots are reportedly the only team still in the running but might have balked at the asking price.
However, after seeing the Broncos give up big draft compensation for Waddle, the Patriots may soon recognize that if they hope to beat that team again in next year's big games, they might have to bite the bullet and offer that extra big draft pick.
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