Back in 2022, the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins made headlines when they agreed to terms on a blockbuster Tyreek Hill trade. Now, history could be repeating itself with a Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Waddle trade. At least, that’s what one former general manager believes.
Trent McDuffie was one of the players indirectly acquired in the Tyreek Hill trade. The Miami Dolphins originally traded the 29th overall pick (along with four other selections) to the Chiefs in exchange for Hill. The Chiefs used said selection to trade up to the 21st-overall pick and take McDuffie. That decision worked out well for Kansas City, as the Washington product has turned into one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. Last year, the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in large part thanks to their elite defense, and that wouldn’t have been possible without McDuffie.
Of course, the Chiefs weren’t the only beneficiaries of the Tyreek Hill, Trent McDuffie trade. Hill has set the world on fire for the Dolphins and played a major role in saving Tua Tagovailoa’s career. Prior to Hill showing up, the Alabama product looked like one of the least effective quarterbacks in the game. Now, he’s second in the league in yards per attempt since 2022, trailing only San Francisco’s Brock Purdy.
Now, these two teams could orchestrate another wide receiver trade. According to former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, the Chiefs could trade Trent McDuffie to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Former NFL GM Mike Tannebaum believes the Dolphins should trade away Jaylen Waddle for Chiefs DB Trent McDuffie
“[Miami] are probably going to cut Xavien Howard… So you get McDuffie, who is a great young player…. You still have a great receiver in Tyreek.” #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/En9vbc7Uep
— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) February 20, 2024
Former NFL GM Hints At Major Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Waddle Trade
At first glance, it’s easy to see why a Trent McDuffie for Jaylen Waddle trade would make sense for both sides. From Miami’s standpoint, they already have a great wide receiver in Tyreek Hill and a top-three offensive mind in head coach Mike McDaniel. While they would miss Waddle, it would be easier for them to replace him than to rebuild their entire secondary. Xavien Howard carries a $25.9 million cap hit, but Miami can save $18.5 million in cap space by designating him a post-June 1st cut. McDuffie can immediately step in be the top cornerback on this defense.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, need a wide receiver. Even though they won the Super Bowl, the offense had difficulty moving the ball throughout the season, and that probably won’t get better as Travis Kelce gets older. Tyreek Hill is one of one, but Waddle has a similar skill set. Kansas City’s offense could go back to being unstoppable with Jaylen Waddle, and they might be willing to trade Trent McDuffie to go back to being the best offense in the game.
Why This Won’t Happen
While a Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Waddle trade would be fun, a deeper dive shows that it probably won’t happen. Miami’s offense is built on speed, and while Hill is arguably the fastest player in the game, there isn’t much depth behind him and Waddle. With Hill entering his age-30 season, this team needs to be ready for age to eventually catch up to him, and if Waddle leaves, this offense could be in serious trouble.
Kansas City, meanwhile, could easily lose some talent on defense. Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed are both set to hit free agency, and the Chiefs will have a tough time retaining both players. It would be one thing if a Trent McDuffie trade cleared up space, but since they’d be replacing him with Waddle’s contract, this move wouldn’t help their salary cap situation.
If the Chiefs need another wide receiver (and they do), they should just look to the 2024 NFL Draft. This class is loaded with pass-catching talent, and while they probably won’t find someone as good as Waddle, somebody like Xavier Worthy could step in and help on Day 1. Ultimately, the Chiefs are a better team with Worthy and McDuffie instead of Waddle and whichever cornerback is still on the board at the 32nd overall pick.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
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