Dolphins’ Passing Woes Make Jauan Jennings a Trade Fit

A Dolphins Jauan Jennings trade would address the NFL’s worst passing offense, and the speculation has a factual foundation. Miami sits last in the league through Week 5, averaging 153.6 passing yards per game. Over the last three games, that figure has dipped to 133.7. Ian Rapoport reported that the Minnesota Vikings are expected to have trade conversations about Jennings, and Devon Platana named Miami as a potential destination.

Why the Fit Makes Sense

Malik Willis is in his first season as a full-time starter, and the supporting cast has not helped. Malik Washington and Caleb Douglas lead the wide receiver room, but Douglas has not played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. The remaining pass-catchers average 25.4 receiving yards per game or fewer. Jennings, listed at 6-3, would give Willis a bigger target and could become his busiest weapon.

Jennings is in his first season with the Vikings after signing a one-year contract worth up to $13 million. His production has disappointed: 55 catches for 643 yards and 9 touchdowns in 15 starts during the 2025 season. In 2024 with the San Francisco 49ers, he posted 77 catches for 975 yards and 6 touchdowns in 15 games, including 10 starts. Spotrac lists his career earnings at over $32 million.

Money and Draft Capital

Miami has the financial flexibility to absorb Jennings’ contract. The Dolphins hold over $110 million in cap space for 2026, the third-most in the NFL according to Spotrac, and they have the required room to complete a trade. The hesitation may come from draft capital. Any deal would likely require Miami to part with picks, and that cost could give the team pause.

This is not the first time the Dolphins have looked at Jennings. Barry Jackson reported that Miami showed interest during free agency in March, but the team lacked the money to meet his contractual wishes at that time. Their current cap situation is different.

A Familiar Coach

Bobby Slowik, now on Miami’s staff, coached with the 49ers in 2021 and 2022, Jennings’ first two professional seasons. That overlap could ease a transition and gives the Dolphins a ready-made evaluation of how Jennings fits an offense.

For Jennings, a productive stretch in Miami could boost his value before he reaches free agency again. For the Dolphins, the appeal is clear: a big-bodied receiver for a struggling passing game, with the cap space to make it work. The unknowns remain whether a trade will actually happen, what draft capital Miami would surrender, and whether Jennings wants to leave Minnesota. Those questions will shape the next round of rumors.