Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel called trade rumors regarding some of Miami’s top young talent “baseless” during his Friday press conference. Twenty-four hours later, one of the league’s top insiders
continues to hear otherwise.
According to The Athletic’s Senior NFL Insider, Dianna Russini, Miami’s phone has been ringing off the hook, with the team receiving “lots of calls” on pass-rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips
.Chubb, 29, signed a five-year, $110 million extension in 2022 after the Dolphins acquired the star pass-rusher from the Denver Broncos. The two sides restructured Chubb’s deal before the 2025 season, converting a portion of his salary into a signing bonus.
To acquire Chubb, Miami gave up veteran running back Chase Edmonds, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick in exchange for Chubb and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Unfortunately for Miami, the chance of them receiving anything close to first-round compensation seems extremely unlikely.
But there is one enticing caveat. Despite the recent injury, Chubb is locked up through the 2027 season, so that may be a bit more enticing to teams than having to trade for a player with an expiring contract. Unless, of course, that player is Jaelan Phillips.
Phillips, 26, was selected by the Dolphins in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft (18th overall). During his five years with Miami, Phillips has recorded 169 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 57 quarterback hits, 24 sacks, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, and four fumble recoveries.
He is one of my favorite players on the roster, which makes these trade rumors tough — but not unexpected when you’re 1-5. I also realize that the NFL is a business. Furthermore, Phillips is also looking to get #paid this offseason, which makes it even more likely he could be moved by the trade deadline. I fear Miami would receive nothing more than a mid-round pick in return, and for a player who many once felt could be a cornerstone of the defense for years to come, that doesn’t feel right.
In the end, I don’t see a world in which the Dolphins get the offer they want for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle or running back De’Von Achane. I’d also argue that both of those players are damn near untouchable. However, I’m not sure I can make that argument anymore with Chubb nearing 30 years of age, or even with Phillips, who may be better off going elsewhere and leaving South Florida behind.
The NFL Trade deadline is set for Tuesday, November 4th at 4 PM ET.
What are your thoughts on the Miami Dolphins trading Jaelan Phillips or Bradley Chubb? Which of those players would you prefer to stay in Miami? What type of compensation do you think Miami could get in return? Let us know in the comments section below!
