The assumption headed into the NFL trade deadline was that the Miami Dolphins were going to be sellers. There were no less than five of their players whose names were mentioned in serious rumors leading up to this week, and one of them was Jaylen Waddle.
But the 26-year-old wide receiver remains on the roster, and he addressed the situation during his media availability on Thursday.
Waddle Gives His Thoughts On Remaining With Miami Dolphins
It was not long ago that Waddle was a part of what many considered to be the best WR duo in the league. But due to an overall offensive regression from Miami and the season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill, many believed that Waddle had become expendable. The value that they could receive in exchange for his services might have been worth shedding his contract for.
In the end, the Dolphins opted to retain every player except Jaelan Phillips, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick.
When Waddle was asked if he was happy with the decision that Miami made to keep him in the fold, he said the following:
“Yeah of course, I love being a Dolphin. I love being here, it’s the only place I know, so, of course.”
After putting up 1,000+ yard seasons in each of his first three years in the NFL, Jaylen Waddle had a down year in 2024. He had 58 catches for 744 yards and 2 touchdowns, all of which were career lows, as Miami’s offense struggled as a whole.
Waddle Has Bounced Back So Far In 2025
But he’s bounced back so far this season. Through the first 9 games of 2025, Waddle has racked up 586 receiving yards, on pace for just over 1,100 for the year, and has already found the end zone four times. While he may no longer be considered a potential WR1 in the NFL, he has certainly shown that he can be one of the best WR2s.
Jaylen Waddle on remaining with Miami Dolphins
VIDEO pic.twitter.com/5lGEwsIzl9
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) November 6, 2025
What might the Dolphins want in exchange? While they never publicly expressed interest in trading Waddle, the assumption was that they would expect a first round pick in exchange. Will any teams around the league (perhaps the Giants or Steelers) be willing to make a deal of that kind during the upcoming offseason?
