The Miami Dolphins are doing everything possible to improve on a moderately successful 2023 campaign. Despite an underwhelming finish to the season, wideout Tyreek Hill posted MVP-caliber numbers, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards, and the offense scored 29.2 points per game, the second-best average in the NFL.
On Monday, the Dolphins made a predictable move official, exercising the fifth-year option of two of their top players. Per the Dolphins’ official Twitter page, linebacker Jaelan Phillips and wideout Jaylen Waddle will play the 2025 season in the fifth year of their rookie contracts.
Miami Dolphins: Exercise Option on WR Jaylen Waddle and LB Jaelan Phillps
The Miami Dolphins have officially exercised the fifth-year option on wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and linebacker Jaelan Phillips, a move widely expected to occur this offseason. Miami announced it on social media.
We have exercised the fifth-year options on LB Jaelan Phillips and WR Jaylen Waddle.⁰
Let's get it, @JJPhillips15 & @D1__JW! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wkxHZUJxDU— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) April 29, 2024
Waddle, the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, has been a consistent performer, registering three straight 1,000-yard receiving campaigns to start his professional career. His impressive stats include leading the league in yards per reception in 2022 at 18.1 yards per catch. Despite missing three games last year, the Alabama product finished with 72 receptions for 1,1014 yards and four touchdowns and contributed to the rushing attack. Waddle, alongside fellow wideout Tyreek Hill, forms one of the most formidable pass-catching duos in the NFL.
Meanwhile, Phillips earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 2021 and remains a talented pass rusher. The six-foot-five, 263-pound second-level defender has contributed 42 tackles, nine TFLs, and 8.5 sacks in his rookie season. He continued to impress in 2022 with a career-high 61 tackles and seven sacks and maintained his strong performance last season with 43 tackles, seven TFLs, and 6.5 sacks. Phillips will undoubtedly help lead the Dolphins’ defense in the coming seasons.
Dolphins: Expecting Return to Playoffs in 2024
The Miami Dolphins won 11 games in 2023, a two-game increase from the year prior. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continues to improve as a passer, while the running back duo of Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane combined for over 2,000 scrimmage yards. However, their 22nd-ranked defense will need to improve if they want to usurp the Buffalo Bills atop the AFC East.
Miami and head coach Mike McDaniel added to the defense through the 2024 NFL draft, selecting Penn State edge rusher Chop Robinson with the 21st overall pick. Additionally, the Dolphins inked safety Jordan Poyer, linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and corner Kendall Fuller, among others, for next fall.
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