The 2025 NFL season is unfolding, and while it’s been a difficult season to peg which teams are truly elite, the Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves near the top of the mountain at 4-1. Other teams, like the Miami Dolphins, are struggling to find reasons not to open up a fire sale ahead of the trade deadline.
The Steelers have done business with the Dolphins in 2025 already, and it’s safe to say they’re enjoying the outcome. Jonnu Smith has been a welcome addition on offense, and Jalen Ramsey is still playing at an exceptional level. With the trade deadline nearing on November 4, the Steelers may be inclined to go back to the Miami well to settle another missing piece.
Rumors are circulating, and have been substantiated by the likes of NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, that the Dolphins could find themselves receiving calls to move former first-round wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, giving Pittsburgh an opportunity to solve one of its biggest offensive weak spots.
Adding Jaylen Waddle could finally give the Pittsburgh Steelers the WR2 they’ve needed
With Calvin Austin III currently out with an injury, the Steelers are in a precarious position. As the CBS broadcast crew of Ian Eagle and J.J. Watt pointed out when DK Metcalf briefly left Sunday’s game, behind him on the receiver depth chart is a void of production. Outside of Metcalf and Austin, only one receiver has more than one catch on the season, and Roman Wilson only has two.
If Metcalf were to go down, the Steelers would be in a difficult situation - even if Austin were available. The need for a WR2 has long been on the minds of Steelers fans, so the opportunity to land a talent like Waddle isn’t one the team should pass up.
Of course, the question then turns to price. Unlike the rumors circulating with other wideouts like Jakobi Meyers and Chris Olave, Waddle may come at a steep price, likely drawing at minimum a second-round pick and some change. But that’s because his play is one of the few things in Miami going well in 2025.
Since Tyreek Hill’s devastating injury, Waddle has stepped into the WR1 role seamlessly, catching 12 passes on 17 targets for 205 yards and a score. For the season, Waddle has 29 catches for 390 yards and three scores, numbers that dwarf any pass catcher in Pittsburgh not named Metcalf, and even he is 10 catches behind Waddle’s mark.
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Of course, Miami runs a short-to-deep passing scheme that allows for volume production from speedy receivers like Hill and Waddle. If he were to be traded, Waddle might not enjoy the same type of success statistically, though that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t help open up Pittsburgh’s offense either.
A trade would also open up the contract conversation. Waddle signed a three-year, $84.75 million extension in 2024. That brings a cap hit of $33.8 million in 2027 and $37.2 million in 2028. Those long-term numbers might be manageable with some restructuring. In the short term, Pittsburgh would have to make some adjustments to fit Waddle in this season.
Either way, it’ll be easier for Pittsburgh to absorb such a contract if the next starting quarterback is playing on a rookie contract, which is what the fanbase expects.
Overall, it wouldn’t be the easiest move to make in the wide receiver trade deadline market. After all, Miami might not even be willing to move him after Hill's injury. But it would be the most impactful for the team in 2025 and beyond if the Pittsburgh front office can pull it off.