Miami Dolphins Trade Rumors Intensify as Early-Season Collapse Forces Tough Questions in South Beach
“Coach McDaniel told me the team is reviewing all options. I said, if there’s truly a place where I can help turn things around and win — then I’m open. But if not, I’m staying in Miami, the city that backed me, and I’ll do everything I can to earn it.”
That candid quote from a Dolphins starter captures the uneasy mood in Miami, where a once-promising season has quickly unraveled. Sitting at 1–5 to start the 2025 campaign, the Dolphins are facing mounting pressure both on and off the field — and the front office may soon have no choice but to consider major roster changes ahead of the
From Contender to Crisis
Just one year ago, the Dolphins were hailed as one of the NFL’s most explosive teams — a blend of speed, creativity, and swagger under
Injuries have played a role, but execution and leadership are also under scrutiny. As one AFC executive told
And those calls have reportedly already begun.
Star Names Circulating in Trade Talks
According to reports from CBS Sports and SI, several high-profile Dolphins players — including wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, and pass rushers Bradley Chubb
GM Chris Grier is said to be evaluating all scenarios, from soft roster resets to potential blockbuster trades, depending on how the next two weeks unfold. If the Dolphins continue to slide, moving one or two key veterans could free up cap space and stockpile draft capital for a rebuild around franchise quarterback
“It’s not about blowing it up,” one league source told CBS Sports. “It’s about being smart if the season keeps slipping away.”
A Locker Room Searching for Answers
Inside the locker room, players are trying to block out the noise — but the tension is real. The anonymous player’s quote reflects both frustration and commitment: a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, whether that means staying the course in Miami or accepting a fresh start elsewhere.
Veteran leaders have emphasized unity, while McDaniel has doubled down on accountability, telling reporters this week, “We’re not selling — we’re solving.” Still, with the trade deadline looming and playoff hopes fading fast, the Dolphins’ next few games could determine whether that message holds.
The Road Ahead
For now, Miami remains a team at a crossroads — too talented to quit, but too flawed to ignore its issues. If the slide continues, expect the trade market to heat up quickly, with contending teams circling for bargains.
Whether it’s Waddle, Chubb, or another name on the move, one thing’s certain: the clock is ticking in South Beach, and the Dolphins must decide whether to double down on their core — or cash in before it’s too late.
Either way, the message from inside the locker room is clear: “We’re not done fighting yet.”
Broncos GM Opens Up on Audric Estime Decision After RB Lands With Eagles
Audric Estime became the odd-man out in the Broncos running back room, leading to his departure. The Eagles added Estime to their practice squad.
Audric Estime wasn’t without a job for long. Just days after being waived by the Denver Broncos, the second-year running back quickly found a new home, signing with the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.
Amid a busy week of roster reshuffling as NFL teams ramp up their preparations for Week 1, Broncos general manager George Paton spoke with reporters Thursday about a wide range of topics, including letting Estime go.
Estime, a fifth-round pick in 2024 from Notre Dame, ran for 310 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie in Denver.
“(I am a) big fan of Audric,” Paton said. “I thought he had some moments last season. We drafted Audric, and he was 20 years old. You don’t see that very often. We knew he’d take some development, and he did develop. … We just wish him the best. He’s going to be a really good pro.”
Why Did the Broncos Waive Audric Estime?
As a rookie, Estime hurt his ankle in Week 1 and landed on injured reserve until October. He still wound up playing in 13 games but never really gained traction on the Broncos’ depth chart, managing just 76 carries.
Estime scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 16 against the Los Angeles Chargers but was a healthy inactive for the wild card loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Fast forward to this season, the Broncos opted to keep four running backs on their initial 53-man roster: J.K. Dobbins, R.J. Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie.
Dobbins, who signed a one-year, $2.74 million base deal in June, is expected to get a heavy workload alongside Harvey, a rookie second-round pick (60th overall) from UCF. Dobbins ran for a career-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns last season with the Chargers but also missed four games with a sprained knee.
“A running game (head coach Sean) Payton has said will be “markedly different” in 2025 is going to go as far as Dobbins and Harvey take it,” Nick Kosmider of The Athletic wrote in his final Broncos roster projection.
Despite his promise, Estime became the odd-man out.
Said Paton: “The bottom line, we were just able to keep four (running backs). It’s hard to keep more than that.”
What Will Be Audric Estime’s Role With the Eagles?
Now in Philadelphia, the 21-year-old Estime figures to be the fourth running back behind Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley, and AJ Dillon.
Barkley ran for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns and was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in his first season as an Eagle.
Estime — who ran for 66 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries this preseason — will now get a fresh start with the defending Super Bowl champions while serving as a depth piece.
The Eagles made his addition official on Friday while also adding cornerback Ambry Thomas to the practice squad. Offensive lineman Willie Lampkin was placed on IR.
