Buffalo had already bolstered its pass-catching corps by acquiring D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears, hoping to stabilize the receiving group ahead of the 2026 campaign. Still, league sources indicate the Bills’ interest in Waddle persisted dating back to the previous season’s trade deadline, when Buffalo was prepared to part with a premium pick to land the 27-year-old.
According to reports, Miami declined the Bills’ first-round offer before the deadline, opting instead to move Waddle to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a package that included a first-round pick. The Dolphins’ decision was reportedly influenced by a desire to avoid facing Waddle within the division, a consideration that likely shaped several trade discussions around the deadline.
Despite the near-miss on Waddle, the Bills remain optimistic about their revamped receiving corps. Moore provides a proven target and immediate impact potential, while the team continues to build around a high-powered offense aimed at returning to top form in 2026.
The move underscores Buffalo’s aggressiveness in pursuing elite tackle-game playmakers, even as it highlights the risks of overpayting for a player who might alter a rival’s trajectory more than it reshapes the Bills’ depth chart. With Moore in the fold, Buffalo faces the challenge of maximizing production from a group that includes multiple capable receivers, as it eyes a deeper playoff push in the coming season.
