Why the Dolphins paid Jaylen Waddle (almost) as much as Tyreek Hill

Henry McKenna

AFC East Reporter

The Miami Dolphins confirmed what we already knew when they extended receiver Jaylen Waddle to a deal worth up to $84.75 million over three years on Thursday. He’ll earn just a hair short of what Tyreek Hill is set to make, with Hill’s contract exceeding Waddle’s deal by $750,000 per year in average annual value.

There is no WR2 in the Dolphins offense.

Tyreek is WR1a. Just barely, Waddle is WR1b.

Over the past two seasons, Waddle averaged 2.73 yards per route run. That’s fourth among NFL receivers, with Hill ranking No. 1 at 3.64. Yes, Miami’s offense elevates Waddle, with coach Mike McDaniel developing a unique and prolific system. But scheme can only go so far. It’s clear that Waddle is among the best receivers in the NFL, even if he’s not the best receiver on his own team.

And that’s reminiscent of what the Indianapolis Colts once looked like. Reggie Wayne played alongside Marvin Harrison for years — even if Wayne established early that he could be any other team’s WR1. Eventually, Harrison retired and Wayne got his chance to shine. It went well — to say the least. Given that Hill, 30, has discussed an early retirement, the Dolphins are smart to secure their future at the position with the 25-year-old Waddle.

Of course, Waddle’s contract might not have been the Dolphins’ top priority heading into this offseason. That was likely quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s deal.

By paying Waddle first, there might be a few complications. First, the money the Dolphins used for Waddle is money they can’t use for their QB. Second, the Dolphins now have the most expensive WR tandem in the NFL, a signal that Tua isn’t exactly doing the heavy lifting in this offense. His receivers are. It all creates leverage for the Dolphins, who can say to Tua: Look how good your weapons are! (With the tacit implication being: Are you only as good as your weapons?)

The other impending uncertainty for the Dolphins…

Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/why-dolphins-paid-jaylen-waddle-almost-much-tyreek-hill

Author :

Publish date : 2024-05-30 17:30:12

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.