Jaylen Waddle Trade Buzz Heating Up: Three Teams That Make Sense If Dolphins Decide to Move On
Jaylen Waddle’s name is back in the trade rumor mill, and this time, it feels a little more real. With the Miami Dolphins entering a new era under general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley-both fresh off stints with the Green Bay Packers-there’s legitimate reason to believe that major roster changes could be on the table. And yes, that includes the possibility of moving on from one of the NFL’s most electric wide receivers.
Waddle, who turns 28 this year, still has plenty of juice left in the tank. But with his cap hit set to spike after this season, and whispers that he was at least somewhat available at last year’s trade deadline, the Dolphins may view this offseason as their best window to recoup high-end value. If Sullivan and Hafley decide to hit the reset button and retool the roster in their image, Waddle could be one of the biggest names on the move.
So, if Miami does decide to shop him, where could he land? Here are three teams that make a lot of sense for a player of Waddle’s caliber-and why each one could be a perfect fit.
1. Washington Commanders: A Sneaky-Logical Fit
At first glance, Washington might not seem like the most obvious landing spot. But dig a little deeper, and the pieces start to come together.
The Commanders made a splash last offseason by trading for Deebo Samuel, and while that move brought some value, the wide receiver group as a whole struggled to find consistency. Terry McLaurin, despite missing time and playing in just 10 games, still finished third on the team in targets-a stat that says more about the lack of depth than anything else.
Enter Jaylen Waddle.
Washington just brought in Wes Welker as their new wide receivers coach. Welker, a former slot machine in his playing days, was on Miami’s staff in 2022 and has familiarity with Waddle’s game. That connection could be key, especially with the Commanders now looking to build around young quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Waddle’s quick-twitch explosiveness and ability to separate underneath would be a perfect complement to Samuel’s physical style and McLaurin’s downfield ability. It’s the kind of move that could elevate the entire offense-and give Daniels the kind of weaponry that young quarterbacks thrive with.
2. Denver Broncos: A Reunion with Pat Surtain II?
Denver might not have a coaching tie to Waddle, but they’ve got something else: a personal connection. Waddle and Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain II go way back, and that kind of relationship can matter when trade destinations are being considered-especially if Waddle has any influence over where he ends up.
From a football standpoint, the fit is strong. The Broncos are still searching for a dynamic, reliable receiver who can create separation and make things happen after the catch.
That’s been a glaring hole in Sean Payton’s offense, particularly during quarterback Bo Nix’s first two seasons. Payton’s scheme thrives on timing and rhythm, and Waddle’s ability to get open quickly would be a godsend for a young quarterback still finding his footing.
With the massive dead cap hit from the Russell Wilson era finally off the books, Denver enters this offseason with financial flexibility-and a sense of urgency. This team believes it’s entering a legitimate Super Bowl window, and Payton has never been shy about making bold moves when he thinks they’ll pay off.
It’s also worth noting that the Broncos reportedly explored Waddle as a trade target during the 2025 season. If that interest remains-and there’s no reason to think it wouldn’t-they could be aggressive in trying to bring him to the Mile High City.
3. Tennessee Titans: Building Around Cam Ward
The Titans may not be a full-blown contender yet, but that doesn’t mean they should be ruled out. In fact, they might be one of the most motivated teams in the league to make a splash.
With a promising young quarterback in Cam Ward, a respected coaching staff, and a boatload of cap space, Tennessee has the infrastructure to support a big-time move. Calvin Ridley is already in the fold as a veteran presence, but adding a dynamic playmaker like Waddle could completely change the complexion of this offense-not just for 2026, but for the long haul.
Waddle’s speed and route-running would be a dream pairing with Ward’s arm talent, giving the Titans a true game-breaker who can stretch defenses and open up everything underneath. It’s the kind of move that could accelerate Ward’s development and give Tennessee a fighting chance in a tough AFC South.
And here’s a wrinkle worth noting: Brian Daboll, now in Tennessee, reportedly tried to land Waddle when he was with the Giants. If that interest still exists-and coaches don’t forget the ones that got away-then the Titans could be a real player in any trade discussions.
Final Thoughts
Jaylen Waddle isn’t just a name in the rumor mill-he’s a real chess piece that could shake up the NFL landscape if the Dolphins decide to make a move. With a new regime in Miami and financial considerations looming, the timing makes sense. And for teams like Washington, Denver, and Tennessee, the chance to add a proven playmaker in his prime doesn’t come around often.
Waddle’s next destination, if there is one, could be a game-changer for both him and the team that lands him.