ESPN predicts one AFC team and one NFC team who could target Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle at NFL trade deadline

The Miami Dolphins' season has gone about as bad as possible through seven games. The Dolphins are 1-6, and coming off of a 25-point loss to the Cleveland Browns.

There might be changes coming in Miami, and outside of coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, receiver Jaylen Waddle may be a surprise candidate to be moved in the next couple of weeks.

McDaniel has said that all trade rumors around Dolphins' players have been "baseless," however, you can't argue that Miami is in a position to rebuild.

Jaylen Waddle trade destinations

With the Dolphins' season going down hill quickly, Waddle is a player that has received interest from teams around the NFL.

The top two teams that could target the Dolphins' receiver are the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants.

"This is a similar situation to Hendrickson: The team does not plan to trade the player, but interest is there," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler wrote. "While Miami could be tempted to trade players due to its 1-6 record, Waddle is a building block on offense, and he's due $36.1 million in cash over 2025-26 -- reasonable for a high-end receiver these days.

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧: Despite their 1-6 record, the Dolphins currently have no plans to trade talent wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, according to @JFowlerESPN pic.twitter.com/ylPZYkiZsQ

"Multiple league execs expect the Dolphins' no-trade stance to stand, barring a surprise."

It's unlikely for the Dolphins' star to be on the move, but if the downward spiral continues in Miami, you never know.

The Giants have lost star receiver Malik Nabors for the season, and Waddle could be the perfect replacement in 2025. However, the Giants aren't in win-now mode yet, and Waddle comes with a big price tag.

The Steelers could use another receiving weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and he'd be perfect for Pittsburgh's quick-pass offensive attack.

Jaylen Waddle in 2 games without Tyreek via @FantasyPtsData
*73.7% of routes
*13.9 adot
*24.6% TS
*8.5 targets/G
*35.6% 1st read
*30% TPRR
*19.4 PPG (WR7(
*14.9 Xfppg
12-205-1 on 17 raw targets. Strong high-end WR2 ROS. Buy for a base first. Not much more imo. pic.twitter.com/0ZYsbzmOMc

"A rapid accelerator with explosive-play ability, Waddle fits best in a system that schemes catch-and-run targets (crossers, in-breakers, screens) and vertical throws," ESPN's Matt Bowen wrote. "Over his career in Miami, 16.8% of Waddle's receptions have gone for 20 or more yards, while he produced 38.6% of his total receiving yardage after the catch. He has 405 yards and three TDs this season."

Fellow Dolphins' receiver Tyreek Hill is out for the season, and Waddle has thrived as the No. 1 receiver in Miami since his injury. If the Dolphins show any sign of turning their season around, Waddle likely stays in Miami.

However, if the Dolphins continue to slide, calls for Waddle may get more enticing as the trade deadline approaches.

ESPN predicts there's a 10 percent chance the Dolphins trade Waddle.

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