According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the Pittsburgh Steelers were on the verge of acquiring Jaylen Waddle, the standout wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, during the recent trade deadline. Reports indicate that Pittsburgh proposed multiple draft picks in exchange for Waddle. However, it is believed that interim general manager Champ Kelly of the Dolphins hesitated at the last moment.
Making a significant trade involving one of the team”s premier players is a risky decision for any general manager, especially an interim one who has just recently taken the position. The potential backlash from such a move could jeopardize Kelly”s chances of securing the position permanently, which likely influenced his decision to back away from the trade.
This has sparked speculation about whether the Dolphins would have been more inclined to proceed with the trade if former general manager Chris Grier had still been in charge. Prior to the deadline, various NFL insiders reported that Miami was seeking a first-round pick and additional assets for Waddle. In contrast, the Steelers managed to acquire wide receiver D.K. Metcalf for a second-round pick earlier in the offseason, raising the question of whether they would have been willing to offer more for Waddle.
This season, Waddle has recorded 41 receptions, totaling 586 yards and four touchdowns. His performance has become increasingly vital following the season-ending injury to teammate Tyreek Hill. Waddle”s production has faced challenges due to inconsistent quarterback play in the last two seasons, underscoring his value on the field. If he were to join a team with a high-caliber quarterback, his statistical output would likely see a substantial increase.
Acquiring Waddle would have provided the Steelers with a formidable receiving duo alongside Metcalf as they push through the remainder of the season and look ahead. For the Dolphins, who are entering yet another rebuilding phase, the draft picks gained from such a trade would be instrumental in reshaping the roster under a new general manager and potentially a new head coach.
As Miami prepares to hire a new general manager in the coming months, it will be interesting to see if the new hire revisits the possibility of trading Waddle before the 2026 NFL Draft, aiming to accumulate more draft capital.
