Sportsnaut
A bad start has turned worse for the Miami Dolphins, and things have gotten uglier every week since.
Before Sunday’s 25-point loss to one of the NFL’s worst teams, the Browns, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said all Miami trade rumors were “baseless.” Now that the Dolphins have sunk to a seemingly impossible-to-overcome 1-6 record, we have a feeling those trade rumors will spur action.
Yet, even before the Dolphins’ Week 7 loss, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed that if the Dolphins do make a move ahead of the trade deadline, it’s likely to involve a pass-rusher being dealt. Rapoport indicated the Dolphins could trade any one of Matt Judon, Bradley Chubb, or Jaelan Phillips.
“While things can change, it seems far more likely Miami would be willing to deal an edge rusher (perhaps Matt Judon, Bradley Chubb or even Jaelan Phillips).”
Meanwhile, “several” teams have inquired about a Jaylen Waddle trade, but Miami has informed them that they have “no interest” in dealing the talented wide receiver.
With Tyreek Hill injured for the rest of the season, it’s not exactly a surprise that the Dolphins want to hold onto their top remaining pass-catcher. Plus, Waddle is under contract through 2028.
Yet, trading a pass-rusher does seem much more likely. Chubb is under contract through 2027. He’s also 29 years old and has just one playoff game on his resume. The Dolphins could capitalize on what’s been a strong season for Chubb, knowing that he may bring back the strongest return.
Phillips, is a 26-year-old former first-round pick, but he’s only under contract for the rest of the season. The same goes for Judon, who inked a one-year contract with Miami, hoping to have a chance at competing for a Super Bowl.
With the Dolphins long out of contention, the two most likely trade candidates would appear to be Judon or Phillips, but a strong case could be made for any one of them to be dealt.
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