Report: Some teams had trouble reading Dolphins’ intentions at trade deadline

Ahead of the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline, some of the Miami Dolphins’ most proven players — such as linebacker Jaelan Phillips, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and linebacker Bradley Chubb — were all involved in trade rumors.

While the team did send Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a draft pick a day before the deadline, other key players stayed, with Miami making just the one deadline deal this season.

The Dolphins’ mostly quiet deadline caught some fans by surprise, and there were also opposing NFL teams that had trouble figuring what exactly Miami’s intentions were, according to a report.

“Waddle’s situation was compelling,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote. “I was told the [Denver] Broncos were among the teams that explored a deal for him, as an elite wideout at age 26 with a reasonable contract was enticing. The [Pittsburgh] Steelers, the [New York] Giants and others either had interest or would have had interest if not for the steep price tag, which, depending on what team you asked, fluctuated between a first-round pick or a one-plus (a first-rounder and more). Some teams had a tough time getting a read on Miami’s intentions at the deadline, which is understandable four days removed from general manager Chris Grier’s firing.”

The Steelers already acquired two key players from Miami in tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey not that long ago, so it would have been fascinating if they managed to poach another one from the team. But it’s understandable why the two sides couldn’t come to a deal on Waddle with the Dolphins’ lofty asking price. First-rounders are incredibly valuable in the NFL.

It appeared as if a fire sale was perhaps in the cards for Miami ahead of the deadline after it parted ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier just days before the key Nov. 4 date. However, the Dolphins didn’t operate around the deadline like a team that was looking to completely obliterate its roster and tank for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

While a playoff spot for Miami might already be out of reach, it can still get fans feeling optimistic again with a strong finish to the campaign. The Dolphins have rallied back from a poor start to a season under head coach Mike McDaniel before.

A win over the Buffalo Bills in their next game on Nov. 9 would be a step in the right direction in that regard and give folks something to cheer about. It would also mark Miami’s first win over that particular divisional rival since all the way back in 2022, as Buffalo has had its number for a while.