Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is having a tremendous year. After a horrific season-ending injury suffered by wide receiver Tyreek Hill against the New York Jets in Week 3, Waddle was primed for much bigger role for the rest of the season. So far, he’s lived up to the task.
But, that almost wasn’t the case—at least, not for Miami.
At one point, it seemed as if Waddle had taken his last snap for the Dolphins, with trade rumors circling over his head for weeks. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that division rivals Buffalo Bills were heavily interested in Waddle.
The Bills apparently offered a 2027 first round pick (and more) for the 5th-year wideout , but the Dolphins insisted on that pick being moved up to 2026. The Denver Broncos were also reportedly interested in his services, but those rumors may have been more smoke than fire.
A deal never materialized, and the deadline came and went. Waddle remained in Miami, at least for now. But with all that said, just how good has Waddle been for the Dolphins this year?
Well, Waddle ranks among the league’s best in nearly every relevant statistic, and is far and away Miami’s best receiver.
- Receiving Yards – 670 (10th)
- Touchdowns – 5 (T-14th)
- Receptions – 46 (T-16th)
- Yards Per Route Run – 2.96 (3rd)
- First Downs – 33 (11th)
Due to Hill’s injury, Dolphins are also using Waddle in a different role this season. In years prior, Waddle played 2nd-fiddle to Hill, with the latter being used in motion almost every play. Waddle primarily played in the slot, and was the 2nd-read on most plays. But this season, Waddle has taken over Hill’s role. As we all know, the Dolphins use pre-snap motion more than almost every team in the NFL.
Translation, Waddle is getting more targets this season. Last season, Waddle only saw 5.53 targets per game. This season, that number is up to 6.6.
With those targets, Waddle’s production has drastically improved. In fact, this season, Waddle is on pace for 78 receptions, 1,139 yards, and 8 touchdowns. That would be enough for his personal best in receptions since his rookie year (104), 2nd-highest receiving yards, and tied for the most touchdowns he’s ever had in a season. Waddle has also totaled over 1,000 yards in every season as a pro, and he’s firmly on pace to repeat that feat again this season.
The Dolphins are not a good football team, and they have made many mistakes in years prior that has brought them to this point. But, the decision to keep Waddle is proving to be a good one. He can be a true cornerstone piece for this franchise for years to come, and long may this production continue.
What do you think of Waddle’s performances this season? Can he be a true No. 1 weapon? Should the Dolphins have traded him? Let us know down below!
See More:
