Mike McDaniel ‘happy’ Dolphins kept Waddle, Achane despite trade rumors

Ahead of the Nov. 4 trade deadline, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane were Miami Dolphins players frequently brought up in trade rumors. Miami is amid a losing season and a fire sale around the deadline seemed to be in the cards, but Tuesday’s deadline came and went with both players remaining Dolphins.

One person who’s “happy” with the Dolphins’ decision to hold onto their offensive stars is head coach Mike McDaniel. He said it’s common practice for NFL teams to get called about their “best players” if they have a losing record.

“Our team’s decision — fortunately I’m part of the team — I’m happy with our collective decision,” he said. “[There’s] frustration every trade deadline because only 30 percent of the information is reported.

“It’s very normal for people to check in if you have a losing record. That’s auto pilot of the National Football League, see if anyone is willing to check in and see if you’re willing to let go of your best players.”

The Dolphins’ leader from the sidelines also said that he “never once thought about” the likes of Waddle and Achane no longer being with the team.

“2-7, 10 times out of 10 you’re going to get calls on every player that any team wants,” he said. “I never once thought about those dudes not as a Dolphin. It’s only healthy business not to turn your phone off. I would hope they would report every player inquired about [in the league] and that would dilute the headline.”

The Dolphins’ collective decision to keep both players paid off majorly in Sunday’s bout against the Buffalo Bills. Miami beat its divisional rival for the first time since September of 2022 in that contest, and it may not have done it without standout games from Achane and Waddle.

Starting with Achane, he enjoyed far and away his most prolific rushing performance of the season to date. He torched Buffalo’s defense for a season-high 174 rushing yards on 22 carries, which equates to nearly eight yards per carry. He scored two touchdowns for Miami in the contest.

Dolphins fans should be pleased to see Achane find his rhythm in recent weeks after he didn’t get off to an optimal start to the campaign, and he’s on track for a career year rushing the ball.

Waddle didn’t put together a season-defining performance like Achane, but he was still easily Miami’s most effective receiver once again. He totaled the most receiving yards of any player on both sides with 84 and scored a touchdown that gave the Dolphins a commanding two-score lead in the second quarter.

It’s too early to tell definitively if the Dolphins made the right move by keeping both Waddle and Achane in the fold, but at the very least, the early returns have been quite promising.