A lot of people thought the Seahawks were light at receiver coming into the season. I didn’t think it was such an issue, yet the evidence in week one is that it might be.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was effectively the passing game against San Francisco in week one. None of the other receivers, for whatever reason, had much impact. The tight ends were also an afterthought as pass-catchers.
There’s still plenty of time to settle into things and in a few weeks it might be that the opening game struggles ended up being an unfortunate one-off. It’s also possible, though, that the concerns voiced about a lack of skill-position talent on the roster prove accurate.
During my Monday stream with Jeff Simmons we discussed options and the name Jaylen Waddle came up. The Miami Dolphins already look like they’re on the precipice of a major rebuild — including the roster, coaching staff and front office. They might already be eyeing up the future. Acquiring extra stock, moving players on and preparing for a new era might come into play if they don’t show a major improvement over the next couple of weeks.
Waddle turns 27 in November so he’s still at a decent age. He’s had some injuries and that’s a concern. Yet he has also produced +1000 yard seasons in three of his four years with the Dolphins. He’s talented, quick (4.37 runner) and carries none of the baggage of his Miami team-mate Tyreek Hill.
The offense would feel more threatening with Waddle paired next to Smith-Njigba, with Cooper Kupp as your #3. Tory Horton could work his way into the game-plan as the year goes on with Jake Bobo a decent enough fifth wheel.
This might balance things out a bit more if they can’t find solutions with their existing personnel over the next couple of games or so. Waddle would also provide the kind of deep threat many believe Klint Kubiak needs in his system (as shown through Rashid Shaheed last season in New Orleans). They clearly feel they need someone who can challenge downfield, which is why they brought in Marquez Valdez-Scantling.
What about the possible trade compensation for Waddle?
I reached out to fellow Brit Si Clancy — a big Dolphins fan plus a NFL and draft pundit — to ask for his thoughts. He felt a third round pick and a day three pick would get it done.
Cap-wise you’d be paying next to nothing for Waddle this year and next (his base salary is just over a million dollars through 2026) before his 2024 contract extension explodes into life. You could work on that from 2027 if you needed to, so financially it’s manageable.
The added bonus is you wouldn’t be acquiring him and then having to pay him — something the Seahawks have preferred not to do when trading for players.
Likewise if the injuries started building with him, you’d have no financial obligation and could move on at any time.
I think it’d be a reasonable consideration for a player who is clearly talented and has been stuck, somewhat, in a messy situation with the Dolphins who are imploding. Ownership needs to take responsibility in Miami and fix the problem — and that might mean moving assets. There’s little point clinging on to expensive receivers if you’re facing a full-scale rebuild. Are they ready to embrace that? Or will it be weeks before they resign themselves to what feels like an inevitable conclusion?
When the Seahawks needed more at linebacker last year, they aggressively pursued a solution. Ditto the year prior when they felt they needed an interior pass rusher. Would they emulate the Ernest Jones and Leonard Williams trades and do it again for a receiver this year?
If they do, Waddle would be a reasonable target. It could be a big boost for an offense appears light on weapons.
If you missed today’s stream with Jeff Simmons, check it out here:
