Dolphins change stance on Jaylen Waddle trade, but it could be a big risk

With the Miami Dolphins season looking uglier by the week, and now that major organizational changes are underway with the departure of general manager Chris Grier, Tuesday's trade deadline has taken on an entirely new level of intrigue for the franchise. Especially now that the team seems at least willing to listen on trade offers for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

Dolphins willing to listen on trade talks for Jaylen Waddle

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that the Dolphins' interim front office, led by interim GM Champ Kelly, is at least willing to listen to offers on star players, including Waddle, and is open to the idea that somebody might actually blow them away with a trade offer. 

Rapoport adds that the Dolphins would still prefer to not trade Waddle, but the new front office is at least willing to listen where Grier would just simply tell teams "no" when they would try to initiate trade walks.

It's a sign that the Dolphins understand how far away they are from contention and how much work needs to be done to turn the franchise around.

Waddle has 41 catches for 586 yards and four touchdowns this season and is signed long-term. That production, as well as the fact he is still in the prime of his career and has term remaining on his contract beyond this season, should make him a valuable trade chip.

Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers figure to be in the market for wide receiver help ahead of Tuesday. 

The question the Dolphins have to ask beyond whether or not they even want to trade Waddle, is if they want an interim front office that may not even be in a position of power this offseason making such significant decisions for the long-term outlook of the franchise. 

Given their willingness to at least listen, it seems that ownership is comfortable with that happening. It could be a big risk, especially if they do not maximize the potential return if a player like Waddle is traded.