Jaylen Waddle Poised for Resurgence With Dolphins After 'Year to Forget'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 1:15 PM ET

Jaylen Waddle burst onto the NFL scene in 2021, dazzling as a rookie with a record-setting 104 receptions for 1,015 yards for the Miami Dolphins.

He showed some truly electrifying speed and very sure hands, which marked him as a star. Yet, 2024 dimmed that shine, leaving fans craving a comeback.

Under head coach Mike McDaniel and alongside Tyreek Hill, Waddle thrived in 2022 and 2023, consistently surpassing 1,000 yards. However, 2024 saw Miami’s offense stumble, finishing 8-9 and 22nd in points scored. Waddle’s stats mirrored the team’s struggles, dropping to career lows of 58 receptions, 744 yards, and two touchdowns.

Waddle owned his disappointment, saying, "Definitely the year that I didn’t want as an individual." He pinpointed hand-eye coordination and route timing as areas for growth, noting, “I feel like I’m trying to move without the ball too much.” His introspection signals a fierce determination to rebound.

A three-year, $84.75 million extension signed before 2024 underscored Miami’s faith in Waddle, despite the team’s quarterback carousel, with four signal-callers starting due to Tua Tagovailoa’s injuries. McDaniel hopes that Waddle’s character and determination will overcome any self-doubts. Waddle needs to regain that spark and keep working on his craft in order to make a strong return. On the plus side, Waddle’s leadership shone in OTAs, setting the tone without Hill.

Miami’s offense, once second in scoring, faltered in 2024, but Waddle’s resilience offers hope. His focus on fundamentals and chemistry with Tagovailoa could spark a revival. Will Waddle reclaim his 1,000-yard form in 2025? The Dolphins are banking on it and the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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