Miami Dolphins' Roster Reset Could Put Stars Like Waddle and Achane on the Trade Block
The Miami Dolphins aren’t just tweaking the edges of their roster - they’re tearing it down to the studs. Monday’s wave of cuts sent a clear message: no one’s safe.
And while Tyreek Hill’s exit was the headliner, it might not be the last major shakeup. The Dolphins are in full reset mode, and that could mean tough decisions ahead for two of their most explosive offensive weapons: Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane.
At first glance, Hill’s departure might suggest Waddle is now the unquestioned WR1 in Miami. But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear the front office - led by Jon-Eric Sullivan - is thinking long-term.
This isn’t about maintaining the status quo. It’s about building something entirely new, and that could mean moving on from players who, just a year ago, were seen as foundational.
Waddle and Achane: Trade Chips in a Bigger Rebuild?
Let’s be clear: both Waddle and Achane are dynamic, game-changing talents. Waddle’s speed and route-running make him a nightmare for defenses, and Achane’s burst and versatility turned heads in 2025. But in a rebuild, even stars can be expendable - especially if they bring back draft capital or help clear cap space.
Champ Kelly, Miami’s former interim GM, reportedly fielded offers for both players last season but chose to hold firm. That restraint might not carry over under Sullivan’s leadership. He’s a GM with a clear vision, and he’s already shown he’s not afraid to make bold, unpopular moves to get there.
Back in 2025, the Buffalo Bills were rumored to have made a run at Waddle, but Miami turned them down. This year, a team like the Denver Broncos - or any receiver-needy franchise - could come knocking again.
And this time, Sullivan might be more receptive. If the Dolphins don’t see Waddle as part of their long-term blueprint, moving him now, while his value is high, could be the play.
Achane, meanwhile, is the kind of player that fits in almost any scheme - which makes him valuable not just on the field but as a trade asset. He’s young, electric, and still on a rookie deal. That’s exactly the kind of player who could net a strong return in draft picks, especially for a team looking to reload quickly.
No One Is Untouchable
Monday’s cuts weren’t just about clearing roster space - they were a statement. Tyreek Hill, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Bradley Chubb were expected departures.
But James Daniels? That caught people off guard.
It signaled that Sullivan isn’t concerned with optics or sentiment. He’s focused on reshaping the Dolphins from top to bottom.
That approach means no one is untouchable. If a player doesn’t fit the long-term plan - whether because of age, contract, or scheme - they could be on the move.
And while that might be a tough pill for fans to swallow, it’s a familiar part of the rebuilding process in today’s NFL. You don’t get future flexibility without making sacrifices in the present.
The Road Ahead
The Dolphins’ offseason is already one of the most dramatic in the league - and it’s only February. With free agency and the draft still to come, expect more fireworks. Sullivan has made it clear he’s not afraid to make big moves, and if the right offer comes along for Waddle or Achane, he just might pull the trigger.
For Miami fans, it’s a time of uncertainty - but also potential. The roster overhaul might sting in the short term, but it could lay the foundation for a more sustainable future.
Just don’t be surprised if more familiar faces are shown the door along the way. This rebuild is real, and it’s moving fast.