The Miami Dolphins are holding one of many recreation’s prime younger receivers in South Florida for the foreseeable future.
Jaylen Waddle and the Dolphins have agreed to a three-year, $84.75 million extension with $76 million assured, ESPN reported Thursday. The $28.25 million common annual worth is the fourth-highest amongst NFL receivers whereas the assured cash is the third-highest on the place, based on OverTheCap.com.
The 25-year-old Waddle has persistently produced since Miami chosen him with the sixth general choose within the 2021 NFL Draft. Reunited with Alabama teammate Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle set a rookie document for many receptions, recording 104 grabs for 1,015 yards and 6 touchdowns that season. Rams WR Puka Nacua broke Waddle’s rookie document final season with 105 catches.
Waddle reached the next degree of play in 2022, when the staff acquired Tyreek Hill to type one of many recreation’s greatest receiver duos. Waddle had 75 receptions for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, main the league in yards per reception that season (18.1). His numbers took a little bit of a dip in 2023 as he battled a number of accidents, recording 72 receptions for 1,014 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Miami picked up Waddle’s fifth-year possibility earlier this offseason, initially holding him underneath contract by means of the top of the 2025 season. Nevertheless, a number of of the sport’s prime receivers, resembling Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, are additionally in search of contract extensions, which could have price the Dolphins much more to increase Waddle if they’d opted to attend.
Waddle and Hill now rank as the most costly receiver duo within the league. The Dolphins gave Hill a four-year, $120 million deal once they acquired him from Kansas Metropolis in 2022, giving up a first-round choose, a second-round choose, two fourth-round picks and a sixth-round choose within the course of.
Waddle’s emergence alongside Hill has helped Tagovailoa grow to be one of many recreation’s prime passers, at the very least statistically. The lefty led the NFL in passer score in 2022 (105.5) earlier than main the league in passing yards in 2023 (4,624), serving to Miami attain the postseason each years.
Now, the staff’s consideration shifts to holding Tagovailoa in Miami long-term. He is getting into the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract and has been negotiating an extension this offseason. Whereas Tagovailoa has reportedly turned down a suggestion, he is been current on the staff’s OTAs, a attainable indication that the 2 sides are in a great place forward of the 2024 season.
Get extra from Nationwide Soccer League Comply with your favorites to get details about video games, information and extra
