Breaking down the biggest moves from the 2025 NFL trade deadline
USA TODAY Sports’ Prince Grimes recaps the biggest moves from the 2025 NFL trade deadline.
Struggling teams often make a mid-year decision to punt on a season to gear up for the future. But there are limits to how far they’re willing to go.
The Miami Dolphins proved that point with a decision they made before the NFL trade deadline last week.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Buffalo Bills were the team that made the highest trade offer for Jaylen Waddle, Miami’s top receiver. Pelissero said Nov. 9 that Buffalo put together a trade package that included a first-round pick to poach Waddle from its divisional rival, but the Dolphins declined their offer.
“Miami wanted a first-round pick in 2026, not 2027 as part of the package,” Pelissero said. “Ultimately, Miami decided that the Bills‘ offer – which also included a third-round pick in 2026 – was not enough to move their star wide receiver.”
Waddle has taken on No. 1 wide receiver duties for the Dolphins in the wake of Tyreek Hill‘s season-ending knee injury. Through nine weeks, he leads the team in receiving yards (586), receiving plays of 20+ yards (8) and receiving first downs (30) while tied for the Miami lead with four receiving touchdowns.
Through the first half of Miami’s Week 10 clash with Buffalo, Waddle has four catches for 77 yards and a touchdown.
No Bills pass-catcher has more receiving yards or touchdowns than Waddle at the midway point of the 2025 regular season.
Waddle, a former first-round pick, is under contract through the 2028 season after signing a three-year extension last May.
The Dolphins made one trade ahead of the Nov. 4 NFL trade deadline, sending edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 2026 third-round pick. They also parted ways with general manager Chris Grier – who had served in the role since 2016 – after their Week 9 loss.
Jaylen Waddle stats
Here’s how Waddle’s season looks in the box score through Week 9:
Targets: 59Receptions: 41Receiving yards: 586Touchdowns: 4