Sportsnaut
Despite having opposite records heading into Week 10, both the Denver Broncos and New York Giants are rumored to be among the teams that attempted to make a surprise blockbuster trade on Tuesday.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and there were many interesting surprises. A case could be made that the New York Jets were the biggest winners before Tuesday at 4 PM ET by getting multiple first-round picks over the next two years. Also, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ acquisition of Jakobi Meyers and the Indianapolis Colts’ acquisition of Sauce Gardner were the two biggest additions yesterday.
However, the trades that didn’t happen will also be the topic of conversation over the next week. Especially the ones fans had no idea were even possible. On Wednesday, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler revealed an interesting deal the Broncos, Giants, and other teams wanted to make, but didn’t happen due to the high asking price.
“Jaylen Waddle’s situation was compelling. I was told the Broncos were among the teams that explored a deal for him, as an elite wideout at age 26 with a reasonable contract was enticing,” Fowler reports. “The Steelers, the Giants, and others either had interest or would have had interest if not for the steep price tag.
“Which, depending on what team you asked, fluctuated between a first-round pick or a one-plus (a first-rounder and more). Some teams had a tough time getting a read on Miami’s intentions at the deadline, which is understandable four days removed from general manager Chris Grier’s firing.”
While Waddle is seen as the No. 2 wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins when Tyreek Hill is healthy, he is much better than he gets credit for. In his first three seasons in the league, he racked up 1,000-plus receiving yard seasons, including 1,356 yards in 2022.
But he also has never earned Pro Bowl honors, nor has he proven himself as a true No. 1 WR. That is probably why teams balked at the idea of a first-round pick and maybe more in a trade. Nevertheless, Fowler’s point that he is only 26 and has a reasonable contract through 2028 could make him a top trade target in the offseason.
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