What looked to be a promising year for the Miami Dolphins has been anything but. After a Week 1 win in Foxborough over the New England Patriots, Miami has since lost five straight. Although they are out of the rough waters that was the opening third of the schedule, five losses already may be too much to overcome. The most recent to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London was probably the worst of all.
Amidst all of this, rumors of a Deshaun Watson deal loom overhead, despite the dead serious allegations surrounding him unresolved. Very tricky business considering that, along with Tua Tagovailoa not even amassing a season’s amount of starts yet. Setting that aside, if the Dolphins want to do a soft reset, there are deals to be made with the talent on this roster.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Trade Deadline Previews.
The Dolphins’ Current Status
Current Record: 1-5
Division Standings: Fourth in the AFC East
In the Playoff Picture: No
Buyers or Sellers: Sellers
Current NFL Draft Slot: Second Overall
Potential Trade #1: Xavien Howard to the Arizona Cardinals for a 2022 first-round pick
Howard will almost certainly be the hottest commodity on the block this deadline cycle. An All-Pro caliber corner with a knack for getting the football could be a big add for any team. The Cardinals are currently 6-0 and show no signs of slowing down. Even with Byron Murphy and Robert Alford playing solid on the outside, Howard could be the final piece into making Arizona the bonified favorite in the NFC.
This could allow Murphy to roam the slot full time as well which would be another plus here. While a first-round pick is a big ask for a corner wanting a new deal on year two of five of his current pact. On the other hand, maximizing the Cardinals’ Super Bowl window while Kyler Murray is still on a rookie deal should be priority No. 1 for Steve Keim. Some cap maneuvering would have to be done, but it should be doable.
Getting a first-rounder back would also be huge for Miami, whose own first-rounder belongs to Philly. While they have possession of the San Francisco 49ers’ first-rounder. Pick No. 32 could then become a big trade chip at the draft. Getting a prospect with a fifth-year option at 32 is very enticing for teams with picks early in round two. This move would also free up playing time for Noah Igbinoghene to boot, last year’s No. 30 overall pick.
Potential Trade #2: DeVante Parker to the New Orleans Saints for a 2022 third-round pick
Parker, a late bloomer if there ever was one, currently accounts for the third-highest cap hit on the Dolphins according to Sportstrac. Ironically, this deal sends him to a team with even less cap space than Miami, but that hasn’t stopped them before. Enter Micky Loomis and the Saints, who performed voodoo magic just to get under the cap earlier this year.
The Saints only outperform the Chicago Bears in passing offense so far this year. With Michael Thomas seemingly far away from taking the field, New Orleans desperately needs some help for Jamies Winston. Parker, while not a be all end all pickup, would still be a nice addition for the Saints. Pairing the Louisville product up with Deonte Harris and Marquez Callaway should hopefully be enough with Thomas still inactive. Parker has missed the last two games for the Dolphins on the same foot, speaking of inactive.
Think of this as a similar move as Emmanuel Sanders going to the 49ers a few seasons ago. A trade that doesn’t break the bank for the Saints, but still gives the Dolphins a solid return. Receiver is a spot where Miami is well enough off at where this shouldn’t derail the position for them.
Potential Trade #3: Preston Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2022 sixth-round draft pick
The Steelers of course have JuJu Smith-Schuster out for the year, so another body at wideout would make sense for the Black and Gold brigade. Williams has been plagued by injuries in his career to this point, logging just 18 appearances in three seasons. He also has had good flashes in the times he has played, with seven career scores and just shy of 800 yards. On a sixth-round flyer, why not make this deal if your Pittsburgh? The Dolphins can cut bait and Pittsburgh can get another body for a late day three pick next spring.
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