Miami Dolphins recently extended the contract of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to a three-year deal worth $84.75 million, with $76 million guaranteed. This move has made him the fourth-highest paid receiver in the NFL with an Average Annual Value (AAV) of $28.25 million.
Waddle has been with the team for three seasons and consistently surpassed 1,000 receiving yards each year. In his rookie season, he set an NFL record with 104 receptions, only to have it broken the following year by Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. However, in 2022, Waddle led the league with 18.1 yards per reception and had a career-high 1,356 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
The wide receivers market has seen significant increases this offseason, with players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and A.J. Brown surpassing Tyreek Hill’s benchmark of $30 million per year. With other star receivers like CeeDee Lamb, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Brandon Aiyuk also looking for extensions, the Dolphins made a proactive move by securing Waddle’s contract early. The team may now be turning its attention to extending quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s contract as well.
