Jaylen Waddle Reportedly Was Pursued by Broncos, Steelers, Giants in Trade Talks

The Miami Dolphins surprisingly held onto star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle past Tuesday's trade deadline, but it wasn't because of a lack of potential suitors.

ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler reported that the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants were among the teams to pursue Waddle in trade discussions with the Dolphins.

The Dolphins have floundered this season with a 2-7 record, so many were expecting them to sell off some of their top players to recoup assets. Graziano noted that Miami "got a lot of calls" on Waddle and multiple other players, but it "told teams it would take a first-round pick to get Waddle, which no one was willing to do." Fowler provided more context on why the 26-year-old ended up staying put.

"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 stated. "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)."

Waddle leads the Dolphins with 586 receiving yards, while no other player on the team has reached the 300-yard mark. Star wideout Tyreek Hill was lost for the season after four games due to a devastating knee injury, making Waddle's presence even more needed in the passing attack.

Still, Miami appears to be going nowhere fast, so it remains to be seen if it made the right decision not to build for the future at Tuesday's trade deadline.

"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," Fowler added.