Dolphins, Jets Actually Helped Patriots At Trade Deadline

The biggest reason for New England Patriots fans wanting their team to add at the NFL trade deadline was for the fact that they sit atop their division and second in the AFC.

Instead, the Patriots stood pat, only trading away Kyle Dugger and Keion White for Day 3 picks. Luckily, their divisional rivals, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, lent the Patriots an assist.

As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on “The Insiders,” the Buffalo Bills attempted to trade for Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams.

“The Bills did not make a trade before Tuesday’s deadline but it was not for a lack of trying.” Pelissero said on Sunday morning. “I am told the Bills made a run at multiple big targets within the AFC East. Offering a first-round pick as part of a package to the Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle and to the Jets for Quinnen Williams.”

“In fact, I am told the Bills had the highest offer for Jaylen Waddle, but Miami wanted a first-round pick in 2026, not 2027, as part of the package.”

There often is talk of trades within a division only happening if there is a substantial offer, and the Bills certainly tried to pull that off. A future first-round pick for a receiver who may be past his prime by the time the Dolphins are contending again seems like a fair price.

However, it sounds like the Dolphins want a quicker return if they have to face Waddle twice a year, especially with Josh Allen now throwing him the ball.

“Ultimately, Miami decided that the Bills’ offer, which included a third-round pick in 2026, was not enough to move their star wide receiver,” Pelissero reported as well.

As for the Williams trade, Pelissero added that the Jaguars were in on the All-Pro defensive lineman along with the Bills.

“The Bills have won five straight AFC East titles and got no help from the division as they try to make it six,” Pelissero said.

Luckily for the Patriots, who are the only team with a realistic shot of dethroning the Bills, their two AFC East rivals gave them an assist by not getting a deal done with Buffalo.