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Unexpected trade target emerges for Giants as New York looks to fill a major roster need before the deadline

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Joe DeLeone | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 10:51 PM ET

The New York Giants' wide receiver room is heavily depleted since they lost star wide receiver Malik Nabers. If the Giants want to ride their dominant defense into a rapid turnaround, they'll need to trade for a quality receiver.

Most importantly, the Giants need to add a receiver who can generate real production and be part of the long-term plan. They can't just add an aging veteran over the age of 32 or an unimpactful fourth receiver from someone's roster.

That's why names like Jakobi Mayers and Chris Olave were in the mix of potential names. Both players fit that description in different ways. Per SNY's Connor Hughes, there's a new name that could be part of the Giants' targets as they aim for a move that would make a significant splash.

Sources: #Giants aggressive in pursuit of adding a receiver before trade deadline, believed to be “big game hunting.”

More below pic.twitter.com/onMZp9ObWY
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 15, 2025

Giants targeting WR Jaylen Waddle

Of the mentioned names in the Giants' quest to find a receiver before the deadline, Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle would easily be the best and most impactful. The former first-round pick out of Alabama has been highly productive with the Dolphins since he was drafted in 2021.

Three times in his five-year NFL career, Waddle has surpassed 1,000 yards. His best year came in 2022 when he totalled 1,356 yards on 75 receptions with eight touchdowns. His worst year in the league was last year, when he played in only 15 games and finished with 744 yards and just two touchdowns.

Waddle is a player with game-breaking speed that would pair nicely with Nabers once he returns from injury. Additionally, adding the 28-year-old receiver would establish a long-term plan at receiver as Waddle's contract runs through 2028.

Ultimately, what makes this trade a possibility is the Dolphins' current state amidst their 1-5 start. Since losing Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins don't appear to have much of a path forward, and a reset is expected at head coach and general manager.

Two hurdles that could stand in the way of a deal like this happening are the Giants' current draft capital for 2026 and the job security of Miami's front office. Unless ownership steps in, the Dolphins are likely trying to do everything possible to plug holes in their sinking boat.

For draft capital, the Giants do not have a third-round pick in 2026 because they traded up for Jaxson Dart in the 2025 NFL Draft. They'll need to hope their current draft capital is enough to make the deal worthwhile for Miami.

Recently, the Giants restructured the contracts of recently signed veteran defensive backs Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. That move could be the precursor for this trade.

We'll see if this trade can come to fruition, with the clock ticking for the trade deadline. If they were to pull this off, it would signficantly improve the Giants' pass game.