The Miami Dolphins are no strangers to explosive offensive talent, but a recent article from ESPN suggests a potential move that could take their receiving corps to another level. With questions lingering about their slot receiver depth, the franchise appears to be eyeing a seasoned veteran who could bring both production and experience.
Dolphins May Eye Veteran Receiver to Bolster Elite Trio
ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz believes Keenan Allen could be the ideal fit for the Dolphins. While Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle dominate outside coverage, the slot remains unsettled. The Dolphins’ top internal options, Malik Washington and Tahj Washington, are unproven.
Malik registered just 26 receptions for 223 yards in the 2024 season, and Tahj missed the year entirely due to injury. Current WR3 Nick Westbrook-Ikhine only managed 497 yards across 17 games with the Titans in 2024.
That opens the door for Allen, who, despite turning 33 in April 2025, posted a productive 2024 campaign with the Bears: 70 receptions, 744 yards, and seven touchdowns in just 15 games.
“That makes Miami the perfect landing spot for a seasoned veteran slot receiver like Allen,” Schatz said. “Hill and Waddle would give Allen a ton of room to work with underneath, giving quarterback Tua Tagovailoa a nice security blanket.”
Allen’s production wasn’t without flaws. According to ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics, he underperformed, though his 68.2 open score showed he still created separation. While playing in Chicago’s offense with D.J. Moore and first-year receiver Rome Odunze, Allen emerged as the team’s second-leading receiver, narrowly surpassing Odunze’s yardage total by 10 yards.
Late night reminder that Keenan Allen is still a Free Agent 🤷♂️
pic.twitter.com/eSHGp5oLtH— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 8, 2025
From a fit standpoint, the Dolphins offer more than just a statistical upgrade. It presents schematic harmony. Head coach Mike McDaniel is known for utilizing motion and space to create mismatches, areas where Allen’s elite route-running could thrive.
An article by Nelson Hubbel on Athlon Sports notes, “Bringing an elite route runner into the slot like Allen offers even more versatility for head coach Mike McDaniel on offense.” Allen’s precise cuts and ability to find soft spots in zone coverage could add a reliable underneath element to complement Hill and Waddle’s downfield prowess.
Yet, a deal isn’t done.
Is Keenan Allen Biding His Time?
According to a May 2025 article from PFSN explaining why Allen is still a free agent, Allen is reportedly interested in either returning to Chicago or heading back to Los Angeles, where he previously played 11 seasons with the Chargers from 2013-2023.
The delay in signing may be intentional. “It’s entirely possible that Keenan Allen remains unsigned because, as a veteran in the twilight of his career, he’s taking his time to find the right fit.”
Market dynamics may also be in play. With younger options like Elijah Moore and DJ Chark still available, teams may be slow to engage with the veteran market. Still, Allen’s career totals of 11,274 receiving yards and 974 receptions suggest he brings more than name value.
If the Dolphins pull the trigger, it could complete one of the league’s most balanced receiving trios. With Hill’s vertical threat, Waddle’s field-stretching agility, and Allen’s reliability in the middle, Tua Tagovailoa would gain a powerful new layer of support in Miami’s already potent offense.