The Dolphins locked up their stud receiver for years to come!
The Miami Dolphins locked up Jaylen Waddle long-term with a mega extension of $84.75 million for a grand total of $109 million over the next 5 years. As you’ll see in the graphic below, the reality is the minimum this contract will amount to is about $82 over 4 years because the final year of these contracts rarely comes without adjustments. Of course, money is always moved around as a contract progresses, so we’ll see down the road if the $82 million floor raises. But, the great news is Miami has locked up a very talented player who is also a great person, so I love that Waddle won’t be moving on like Christian Wilkins and Robert Hunt!
With the Xavien Howard money coming due the next on the list for a long-term deal is Tua!
Miami is spending a TON on pass catchers!
The Dolphins have a ton of money locked up into the receiver spot with Hill slated to count $31 million against the cap this season and $34 million next season. The Phins are allocating on their dynamic duo of Hill and Waddle a staggering $40 million this season and $54 million next season against the cap! Add in anywhere from $40-55 million for Tua annually and almost 40% of the Dolphins cap will be spent on the core of the passing game!
Over the Cap shows the real money involved:
That’s a ton of cash BUT…
Waddle is technically making $28.25 million a season, but you can see by the cap hit that it’s less than that. Still, that’s a ton of money and the annual average value ranks fourth highest in the NFL among wide receivers. But, the guaranteed money is the third behind A.J. Brown ($84 million) and Amon-Ra St. Brown ($77 million). you can bet with the best pay-per-head that the guaranteed money will increase as Chris Grier wants to free up money in the coming seasons.
Bottom line: the Dolphins had no choice but to sign Waddle, who is a fan favorite, star talent, and was acquired with two 1st-round draft picks. The only question is how long can and will the Dolphins keep the two together and will Hill want a raise? Contractually it seems like 2026 is the year they will break the relationship unless something dramatic happens between then and now.
We now have the highest-priced and fastest-receiver duo in the league… so, let’s see if they can get us to the promised land before the breakup! Go Phins!!!