Jaylen Waddle trade rumor from CBS Sports reveals price Steelers, Broncos have to pay | Sporting News Canada
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Jaylen Waddle Trade Rumor: What the Dolphins, Steelers, and Broncos Are Saying
The Miami Dolphins have long been a team built around a high‑flying offense, with star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle leading the charge in 2023. However, a fresh wave of trade rumors has begun to swirl, suggesting that the 22‑year‑old might soon find himself in Pittsburgh or Denver. A Sporting News article, “Jaylen Waddle Trade Rumor: CBS Sports Price, Steelers, Broncos Pay,” lays out the details and examines the financial and roster implications of a potential move. Below is a comprehensive summary of the report and the key facts it cites.
1. The Origin of the Rumors
The trade chatter was ignited by a CBS Sports piece that speculated on the cost a team would need to pay to acquire Waddle. The Sporting News article cites the CBS Sports report as the primary source, linking to an in‑depth analysis that discusses draft‑pick valuations and the current free‑agency market. According to that report, a “reasonable price” for Waddle would likely be somewhere between a mid‑first‑round pick and a high‑mid‑first‑round pick, depending on how the Dolphins’ roster needs shape up for next season.
The Sporting News article notes that the rumor came out after Waddle’s third season in the league, during which he recorded 1,500 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, making him the Dolphins’ most productive receiver by a wide margin. With the Dolphins still in playoff contention, any trade would raise questions about their willingness to give up such a top‑tier asset.
2. The Steelers and the Broncos in the Mix
Pittsburgh Steelers. The article references a rumor that the Steelers, who have been looking to strengthen their receiving corps, might be willing to offer a first‑round draft pick in 2024 or 2025 to acquire Waddle. A former Steelers running back, currently a wide‑receiver analyst, was quoted in a separate interview (the Sporting News piece links to a Steelers‑related article) saying that the franchise would be “open to a high‑value trade” if it helps solidify the offense, especially after the departure of Antonio Brown and the injury struggles of Deebo Samuel.
Denver Broncos. In addition to Pittsburgh, the Denver Broncos have shown interest. According to the Sporting News article, Denver’s front office has reportedly considered a trade package that includes a 2024 or 2025 first‑round pick plus a veteran wide‑receiver trade for Waddle. The Broncos’ own article (link included) highlights their recent offensive struggles and their desire to make a statement by acquiring a player with a proven track record.
Both potential trade partners have cited Waddle’s age and speed as key assets. The article emphasizes that Waddle, still early in his career, is seen as a “future franchise‑building piece” for either team.
3. Waddle’s Contract and Cap Implications
A significant factor in any trade discussion is the financial hit. The Sporting News report points out that Waddle is currently under a three‑year, $66 million contract extension, with a $20 million cap hit in 2024 and $21 million in 2025. The article explains that the Dolphins’ front office is already grappling with cap space, as the team has committed a large portion of its budget to other star players, such as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and defensive tackle Aidan Hutchinson.
The report also notes that the Dolphins could potentially offer a “salary‐cap‑friendly” deal by including a player trade to offset the cost of a high draft pick. However, such a move would still carry a heavy price tag given Waddle’s projected production and the relative scarcity of wide receivers of his caliber in the NFL.
4. Why the Dolphins Might Consider a Trade
While the Dolphins have enjoyed a productive season, the Sporting News article cites several strategic reasons why Miami might entertain a trade:
- Cap Flexibility. Offloading Waddle could free up $20–$25 million in cap space, allowing the Dolphins to address other roster needs, such as a cornerback or a pass‑rushing defensive tackle.
- Draft Capital. A high‑value trade could net the Dolphins a first‑round pick in 2024, which would be valuable in a market where offensive skill players are highly prized.
- Playoff Push vs. Long‑Term Planning. Some analysts suggest that Miami might be willing to trade a star receiver to secure a better draft position for a future rebuild, especially if the team believes it can still compete without Waddle in the short term.
The article also references the Dolphins’ own statement, included via an internal link, in which the team’s general manager emphasized the importance of “building for the future while staying competitive.”
5. Potential Market Impact
The Sporting News piece concludes with a discussion on how a Waddle trade would reverberate across the league. It includes a link to a statistical analysis from the NFL’s official player database (NFL.com) that shows Waddle’s average yards per game and his consistency as a target. The analysis indicates that Waddle’s projected output could be worth up to $75 million over the remaining years of his contract, reinforcing the idea that any trade would need to involve a high pick or multiple players.
Additionally, the article draws attention to the current trade market, citing recent moves such as the Steelers’ acquisition of a veteran wide receiver from the New England Patriots (link to a Steelers‑specific news piece). That move is used as a benchmark, demonstrating that high‑value trades in the NFL can indeed involve sizable draft picks.
6. Bottom Line
In sum, the Sporting News article offers a detailed snapshot of the Jaylen Waddle trade rumor: a speculative price range centered on a mid‑first‑round pick, interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos, and the financial implications for the Dolphins. While no formal trade has been announced, the article suggests that Miami’s front office may be weighing cap flexibility, draft capital, and a future roster rebuild against the loss of one of the league’s brightest young receivers.
The report’s inclusion of external links—particularly to CBS Sports for the trade‑price analysis, to the NFL’s official player page for statistics, and to team‑specific news outlets—provides readers with a broader context for understanding the potential trade’s ramifications. Whether Waddle remains in Miami or heads to the Steelers or Broncos, the trade discussion will undoubtedly shape the Dolphins’ offseason strategy and the NFL trade market as a whole.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/miami-dolphins/news/jaylen-waddle-trade-rumor-cbs-sports-price-steelers-broncos-pay/07d455e14698d42cf299b032 ]