Jaylen

Waddle

Sullivan spoke with reporters at the NFL Combine and didn’t exactly quash rumors that the Dolphins could part with one or both of their best players in a potential tear-down rebuild of the team. That rebuild — whatever it looks like — will certainly include parting ways with QB Tua Tagovailoa. One of the most explosive, efficient backs in the NFL, Achane could fetch a haul of draft picks if Miami moves on from him in the coming months. Waddle, meanwhile, profiles as a solid No. 2 receiver with a long history of injuries.

Kaboly went as far as saying the Steelers believed they had a deal done for Waddle before last season’s trade deadline. While adding another wide receiver to go along with D.K. Metcalf seems to be a priority for the Steelers, it ultimately takes two teams to make a trade. Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Waddle before last year’s trade deadline came up short and NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported on Friday that the Dolphins aren’t interested in trading Waddle this offseason. That could also be posturing by the Dolphins to get better trade offers. If truly available, Waddle will be one of the big names to watch at the NFL Combine next week.

This does not mean that other teams will not try to acquire him and RB De’Von Achane, but Waddle is currently valued as a core player. The Dolphins’ new front office has already begun releasing veterans and hopes to trade others, as they begin an organizational reset. Waddle, 27, is still a quality No. 1 wide receiver who can help develop a new, young quarterback. Keeping him makes sense.

This comes as no surprise. Achane, 24, and Waddle, 27, are core offensive players. The Dolphins recently released WRs Tyreek Hill and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and LB Bradley Chubb as they enter a youth-oriented rebuild. Wolfe echoed recent reports indicating that trade talks regarding QB Tua Tagovailoa and S Minkah Fitzpatrick could heat up at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Miami is among the teams expected to pursue Willis, a former third-round draft pick, this offseason. Willis showed great improvement over two seasons in Green Bay, spot starting in place of Jordan love a few times and appearing in 11 games as the Packers quarterback. Willis has connections to new Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan from their time with the Packers. “Let’s envision a scheme built around motion/movement, with play-action elements woven in; that would set up Willis well as a thrower, and the QB run game would generate conflict for opposing defenses,” Bowen said. “Willis’ development in Green Bay creates upside for the Dolphins.” Willis’ mobility and arm strength would certainly bring more upside to the Miami offense than departing starter Tua Tagovailoa.

Seemingly always gutting through something or other, the Dolphins decided not to have Waddle play through his latest ailment with “nothing on the line.” There’s always something on the line when you’re a professional athlete, but we digress. Somehow already 27 years old, Waddle is heading into the final guaranteed year of his contract with back-to-back sub-1,000 yard seasons. That’s despite the fact that Tyreek Hill missed most of this year. Hill will probably be gone for 2026, but it’s unclear who will be under center following Tua Tagovailoa’s benching. We also don’t know if offensive maestro Mike McDaniel will be retained. Waddle’s offseason baseline should be mid-range WR2, with room to slide in either direction.

The same is true of De’Von Achane, who is listed as doubtful with a shoulder injury. Like most teams with nothing to play for in Week 18, the Dolphins are shutting their key players down this week. The Patriots shouldn’t have any issues versus Miami this week. A win gives them the No. 2 seed in the AFC. An unlikely Denver loss on top of a New England win would give the Pats the No. 1 seed.

Waddle left Week 17’s game against the Buccaneers with a rib injury and didn’t return. The 27-year-old receiver returned to practice Thursday, which is a good sign for his availability despite his questionable designation. Waddle certainly has a chance to play, though with the Dolphins already out of playoff contention, the organization could opt to err on the side of caution.

Waddle injured his ribs early in Week 17 and could not return. The 27-year-old wide receiver typically plays through injury, though. He has a chance to retake the field this week against the Patriots, though the coaching staff could choose to shut him down, preserving his health for next season.

Waddle had just one carry for seven yards before heading to the locker room with a rib injury in the second quarter. By the time he returned to the game, the Dolphins had the lead and Waddle saw just one target upon his return. He finishes with a mere 0.7 PPR fantasy points. Waddle has had a rollercoaster season with 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns amidst a tumultuous offense and a quarterback transition to Quinn Ewers. He is the Dolphins’ WR1 heading into Week 18 against the Patriots and will finish the season as high-end fantasy WR3.