Dolphins Make Trade Decision on Star Receiver

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jackson Stone | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 3:51 PM ET

The Miami Dolphins currently sit with an abysmal record of 1-5 as the 2025 NFL season nears its midway point. It was another rough game from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the Dolphins' most recent loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, completing 21-of-32 passes for 205 yards but also tossing three interceptions.

With all of the losing, combined with the fact that star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is out for the year due to injury, many have speculated that the Dolphins could look to part ways with some of their veteran talent and stockpile future assets via the trade market.

One name that many have circled as a potential candidate is wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who has stepped into the No. 1 receiver role in the wake of Hill's injury. The former University of Alabama product has scored three touchdowns this season and hauled in 29 receptions, making him an intriguing trade target for other organizations.

However, NFL reporter Ian Rapoport dropped some new intel that contradicted that speculation.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

"Several teams have called the Dolphins about star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, and sources say those teams have been told Miami has no interest in trading him," reported Rapoport on X.

Rapoport also noted on NFL.com that "dealing Waddle would signal a look to the future rather than trying to win now. While things can change, it seems far more likely Miami would be willing to deal an edge rusher (perhaps Matt Judon, Bradley Chubb or even Jaelan Phillips)."

Also in here: "Several teams have called the Dolphins about star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, and sources say those teams have been told Miami has no interest in trading him."

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— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 18, 2025

At 26 years old, Waddle is firmly in the prime of his career and is currently on a three-year, $84.75 million contract with the team. The Dolphins' commitment to keeping him on the roster signals that they still believe in the passing game of Waddle and Hill once the latter is back and healthy.

Still, overall, it's been a disastrous year for the Dolphins, who were blown out by the Indianapolis Colts to open up the season and have not been able to recover since. Miami's only victory this year came over their winless division rivals, the New York Jets.

Through it all, there have been calls from the fanbase for head coach Mike McDaniel's job, as well as for the team to move on from Tagovailoa, who has suffered arguably the worst year of his career so far this season. Still, it appears that the Miami brass is committed to wringing everything out of this current core that it can.

The Dolphins will next take the field on Sunday in Cleveland against the Browns. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS in select local markets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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