The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the 2026 offseason needing more than incremental change at wide receiver. With DK Metcalf entrenched as the top option and little proven production behind him, the Steelers could revisit a pursuit that nearly materialized just months ago.
Steelers Previously Targeted Dolphins Star Jaylen Waddle
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently revisited a notable detail from last year’s trade deadline during an appearance on “93.7 The Fan.” The Steelers showed legitimate interest in Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle before talks dissolved late in the process.
“The one who’s very interesting to me, and I know he’s not on the block, but a lot of things are happening in Miami right now, is Waddle,” Kaboly said. “Because they were definitely interested in him last year at the deadline. Depending on who you believe, Miami pulled out at the last second, or they would have at least had an opportunity to acquire him.”
This was not a speculative name floated for conversation. The Steelers appear to have explored the framework of a deal. Waddle, who signed a three-year, $84.75 million extension, remains under contract through 2028. The 27-year-old is a bona fide stud. Through five seasons, he has totaled 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. He has eclipsed 900 receiving yards in four seasons and surpassed 1,000 yards three times.
In 2025, within an inconsistent Dolphins offense, Waddle posted 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns. He finished 22nd in PFSN’s WR Impact Metric despite playing with underwhelming quarterbacks.
The Dolphins’ broader reset adds context. The Dolphins have moved on from several veteran contributors and face uncertainty at quarterback. When franchises pivot in that way, outside inquiries tend to follow.
The fit for the Steelers would be ideal. Metcalf anchors the room, but beyond him, questions sit. Waddle’s speed and route versatility would give the Steelers a dynamic pairing capable of stressing coverage at every level. At 27, he aligns with both immediate competitiveness and longer-term planning.
Acquiring him would require meaningful draft capital and navigating a contract that carries significant future cap numbers. Prior interest suggests the Steelers have already examined that calculus. Whether the Dolphins are open to revisiting discussions remains uncertain. But the foundation for an aggressive pursuit already exists, and the Steelers’ need at wide receiver is not going away.
Landing an undervalued asset like Waddle would give new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy his first big splash in black and yellow. The Steelers quarterback room is uncertain as veteran Aaron Rodgers contemplates retirement, but adding Waddle will help whoever is throwing the ball next season in Pittsburgh.
