Why Dolphins kept Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb at trade deadline
If you only glanced at the standings in early November, you’d assume Miami would be ready to sell. The Dolphins were 2-7, their general manager was gone, and the trade deadline clock was ticking. Everything about that setup pointed to a rebuild. Teams around the league lined up to ask about Miami’s top players, but the front office stayed firm. Jaylen Waddle and Bradley Chubb were staying put.
That choice turned heads across the NFL because, why hold on to stars during a losing season? Miami’s quiet deadline revealed more about its direction than its disappointment. The organization is focused on stability, and both Waddle and Chubb are key to that approach.
Waddle’s Value Speaks For Itself
Jaylen Waddle’s name was among the first to surface when trade rumors picked up. By Halloween, several contenders had checked in, but Miami’s price tag quickly ended those conversations. Reports indicated the team wanted at least a first-round pick for its speedy wideout, which seems fair when you consider his impact.
Waddle has 41 receptions for 586 yards and four touchdowns this season while often drawing double coverage. His presence stretches defenses and gives the offense balance, even with Tyreek Hill sidelined.
Waddle’s contract adds another layer to his value. His three-year, $84.75 million extension keeps him under team control through 2028.
In a league where elite receivers now push past $35 million per year, that deal gives Miami both production and cost certainty. Trading him would have created another hole in a roster that already needs repairs. Instead, the Dolphins took the calls, assessed the offers, and chose to move forward with their top receiver intact.
Chubb’s Contract Gives Miami Flexibility
Bradley Chubb’s situation is more complex. After recovering from the ACL injury that ended his 2024 season, he’s shown steady progress. Through nine games, he’s recorded four sacks and seven quarterback hits. His consistency provides an anchor for a defense still finding its footing, making it difficult for Miami to justify moving him for short-term gain.
Chubb’s contract gives the front office room to maneuver down the line. He has no guaranteed money left on the five-year, $110 million deal he signed in 2022, and his cap hits for 2026 and 2027 sit around $31 million.
Those numbers allow Miami to explore different options later, including a restructure or post-June 1 release, without a penalty. For now, keeping a proven edge rusher outweighs the benefit of a midseason trade.
Miami Is Focused On The Future
Trading Jaelan Phillips to the Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick was the Dolphins’ only major move before the deadline. The decision clarified that their focus is on the long term. Miami now holds five picks in the first three rounds of the 2026 draft and eight total selections. With playoff hopes fading this season, those assets provide a foundation for what’s next.
Interim general manager Champ Kelly, coach Mike McDaniel, and owner Stephen Ross appear aligned in their strategy. Selling established players for quick returns didn’t fit their vision. McDaniel described the process as standard, but his remarks made it clear that patience was deliberate. The Dolphins are committed to rebuilding with control, not panic.
A Calculated Decision, Not A Missed Opportunity
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Fans expected a roster shake-up. Analysts anticipated a flurry of trades. Instead, Miami opted for restraint. The front office understands that overreacting can create deeper problems.
Waddle remains the focal point of the offense, a dependable playmaker whose presence keeps defenses honest. Chubb provides veteran leadership and stability to a defense that’s adjusting under new circumstances.
Critics labeled the Dolphins “the biggest loser” of the trade deadline, but that overlooks the logic behind their approach. By holding on to their core players, the Dolphins set themselves up for a smarter rebuild that values timing as much as talent.