PITTSBURGH — The Miami Dolphins just blew up their receiver room. Releasing Tyreek Hill on Monday sent shockwaves through the NFL, but Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan isn’t flinching. He’s reportedly looking to strike a blockbuster deal for Miami’s remaining star wideout: Jaylen Waddle.
The Next Big Target in McCarthy’s Offense
New Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and Head Coach Jeff Hafley face a grueling rebuild after a disappointing 7-10 campaign in 2025. They need draft capital, and they need it fast. The Buffalo Bills already tempted Miami with a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 first-round selection before last year’s trade deadline. Miami pulled out at the last second, reportedly terrified of facing Waddle twice a year in the AFC East.
That opens the door for Pittsburgh. The Steelers sit on a mountain of draft capital—12 selections this spring—and they crave a speedster to pair with DK Metcalf in Mike McCarthy’s new offensive system. You pair Waddle’s blazing route-running with Metcalf’s brute force, and you instantly terrorize AFC secondaries.
Pittsburgh tried to land Waddle at last November’s trade deadline. The deal crumbled in the final hours. But Khan proved he isn’t afraid to pull the trigger when he shipped George Pickens to Dallas and acquired Metcalf last offseason. Now, the stars align for a second run at the Alabama product.
“I mean, the one that is very interesting to me, and I know he isn’t on the block, but a lot of things are happening in Miami right now… Jaylen Waddle. The Steelers were definitely interested in him at the deadline last year. Depending on who you believe, Miami pulled out at the last second, or they would have at least had an opportunity to acquire him.”
— Mark Kaboly, Steelers Insider (93.7 The Fan)
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
Waddle doesn’t come cheap. He signed a massive three-year, $84.75 million extension in 2024 that spikes his cap hit moving forward. Khan will need to tear up that contract and restructure a long-term deal immediately. Tying up $60 million between two receivers creates a massive headache, but Khan built a reputation on salary cap gymnastics.
If Pittsburgh pulls off this trade, they vault into the upper echelon of the AFC arms race. They already boast a physical defense and a proven WR1 in Metcalf. Adding Waddle gives McCarthy the elite separation he needs to stretch the field vertically. For Miami, parting with a 27-year-old centerpiece stings, but acquiring a haul of premium draft picks gives Sullivan the ammunition to execute his vision for a massive roster overhaul.
