Steelers may explore trade for Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle after latest twist

It’s pretty clear the Pittsburgh Steelers need to make adjustments to their wide receiver room. This has been an ongoing problem for a few seasons, and many thought it was finally solved during the 2025 offseason, when Pittsburgh traded to land wide receiver DK Metcalf. At the time, it felt like the Steelers had fixed their receiving corps, with many pundits thinking that it would even become a lethal group.

Then Steelers general manager Omar Khan traded George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. The jury is still out on whether that was a mistake, considering Pickens had never fully been part of Pittsburgh’s long-term plans. He proved time and again to Mike Tomlin and the organization that he could not always be relied upon. In Dallas, however, Pickens turned into one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, but he is now going to command top-tier money.

The Steelers received a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick in return. They also sent a 2027 sixth-round pick to Dallas as part of the deal for Pickens. Now, it appears the new regime led by Mike McCarthy is looking to improve the group quickly. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly revealed, while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday evening, that Khan should, and could, call the Miami Dolphins to check on Jaylen Waddle.

"I mean, the one that is very interesting to me, and I know he isn't on the block, but a lot of things are happening in Miami right now," Kaboly said. "Jaylen Waddle. The Steelers were definitely interested in him at the deadline last year. Depending on who you believe, Miami pulled out at the last second, or they would have at least had an opportunity to acquire him."

The Steelers’ wide receiver room has struggled to find consistent production, especially after Pickens was traded. Metcalf remains a key piece, but true depth behind him has kept the group from truly clicking. Adding someone of Waddle’s caliber could give Pittsburgh the explosive threat it has lacked. 

McCarthy’s offense thrives on speed and separation, which makes Waddle a natural fit. There’s also the cap consideration, as the team has to balance star talent with long-term flexibility. Fans and analysts alike are curious whether Khan will explore the Dolphins connection seriously.

"I would definitely keep an eye on him," Kaboly said. "But the money is just crazy past this year. I mean, this year is fine, but they would have to rip it up and do it again. I mean, Omar is very good at that. Do it and then sign him to a longer-term deal... You can't have 60 million bucks tied up at two receivers."

Steelers eeeping an eye en Jaylen Waddle

Hearing a Steelers insider as plugged in as Kaboly say to keep an eye on a wide receiver like Waddle has to bring excitement to Steelers fans. That doesn’t mean Khan will necessarily make a trade, but the Steelers have the draft capital, and the latest developments out of Miami indicate the organization might not be committed to keeping Waddle at his current price. 

Kaboly believes that Khan could work his magic and restructure Waddle’s deal to make it feasible. Otherwise, the financial implications would be too much for Pittsburgh to pull off. Based on this, Waddle is an interesting player that Steeler Nation should definitely be watching. 

The possibility alone adds intrigue to what the team could do this offseason. All eyes are on the front office, as the wide receiver room clearly needs help. The 2026 NFL Draft, hosted in Pittsburgh, also presents a great opportunity, and the draft capital the Steelers have should allow them to add plenty of explosive talent.