What Does Jaylen Waddle’s Massive Contract Extension Mean for the Miami Dolphins’ Future?
Jaylen Waddle just got a massive contract extension to stay with the Dolphins for several years to come. This extension is for three years and will pay Waddle $84.75 million, with $76 million of it guaranteed. This makes Waddle the fourth-highest annually paid WR at $28.25 million a year. Ever since Waddle was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, out of Alabama, he has shined with the Dolphins. Through three years he has averaged 84 receptions, 1,142 total yards, and six touchdowns each season with the Dolphins even though he is playing alongside the best wide receiver in the NFL, Tyreek Hill.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have been an elite combination, generating nearly 3,000 yards of offense between them. However, despite this impressive offensive output, the Dolphins have failed to make a deep playoff run with their current team. With this new extension, the Dolphins will soon be paying these two wide receivers a combined $60 million a year which will be the most of any wide receiver room in the NFL. The Dolphins recognize that dynamic playmakers are necessary in today’s game so locking up their wide receivers for their long-term future was crucial. However, what is the cost that this contract extension will cause for the Dolphins and other teams in the NFL?
The Dolphins have clearly shown with this extension that they value their receivers more than their current quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Despite Tua coming off his best season with 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, they realize that Tua hasn’t been able to have playoff success, especially in cold weather games. Additionally, Tua’s injury history is extensive, so signing him to a long-term deal isn’t a good idea for the Dolphins' future. This is why I expected the Dolphins to draft a rookie quarterback this year, but when all the top quarterbacks went extremely early in the draft that plan fell through. This contract extension for Waddle could also have ripples around the league with other big-time wide receivers looking to get paid, especially Brandon Aiyuk who may be on the trade block for the 49ers.
