Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle, Jaelan Phillips to Have 5th-Year Contract Options Exercised

The Miami Dolphins plan to pick up the fifth-year contract options for receiver Jaylen Waddle and linebacker Jaelan Phillips, general manager Chris Grier told reporters on Tuesday.

Waddle would make $15.6 million under the option in 2025, while Phillips would earn $13.3 million.

Waddle has been a key figure in the Miami offense since being selected sixth overall in the 2021 draft out of Alabama.

The 25-year-old made an instant impact as a rookie, catching 104 passes for 1,015 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games and went on to put together the best season of his career in 2022 despite Miami's acquisition of star wideout Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Waddle caught 75 passes for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games during his sophomore campaign.

During the 2023 season, the rising star caught 72 passes for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games. It marked his third straight year with at least 1,000 receiving yards and four scores.

Waddle's presence in the Miami offense is more important than some realize. While opposing defenses typically pay more attention to Hill, Waddle is just as much of a threat as the eight-time Pro Bowler and gives quarterback Tua Tagovailoa another reliable target.

And if Hill were to ever get injured, Waddle would undoubtedly be able to pick up the slack in the veteran's absence. He has proven time and time again that he can be the team's No. 1 option.

More recently, Hill missed one game during the 2023 season—a Week 15 win over the New York Jets—and Waddle went on to put together his best game of the year, catching eight passes for 142 yards and one touchdown.

And, according to Hill, Waddle "is the future" in Miami, so it should come as little surprise that his fifth-year option will be exercised.

As for Phillips, the 24-year-old has had a solid start to his career. Since being picked 18th overall in 2021, he has totaled 146 tackles, 22 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception.

Phillips was limited to just eight games in 2023, but he made his impact felt. He piled up 43 tackles, 6.5 sacks and one interception before suffering an Achilles injury in Week 12.

By picking up both options, the Dolphins will be able to have a couple of key players for at least one more season and provide more time to have contract extension talks.