The Miami Dolphins and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle agreed to a massive contract extension on Thursday.
The new deal puts the 25-year-old in some elite company as far as highest annual salaries for wideouts.
The 25-year-old Jaylen Waddle is now under contract for the next five seasons, tied to Miami through the 2028 season. https://t.co/xNgU1Lr0B7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2024
Highest paid WRs in average annual value:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 30, 2024
1) AJ Brown: $32M
2) Amon-Ra St. Brown: $30.02M
3) Tyreek Hill: $30M
4) Jaylen Waddle: $28.25M
5) Davante Adams: $28M https://t.co/Oy1p3h5eoY
As noted by ESPN's Adam Schefter, Waddle became the first player in Dolphins history last season to record three straight 1,000-yard receiving campaigns. Waddle also holds the team mark for most receiving yards in the first three years of a career.
The Alabama product set Miami rookie records in receptions (104) and receiving yards (1,015) and has registered 251 career catches for 3,385 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Waddle had only missed one contest over his first two seasons in the league before sitting out three games in 2023, first due to a concussion and later because of an ankle injury.
He was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's second-favorite target behind Tyreek Hill for the second consecutive year and no other player was close. Waddle finished last year ranked only behind the eight-time Pro Bowler in terms of Dolphins targets (104), receptions (72), receiving yards (1,014) and receiving touchdowns (four).
While Hill and Waddle now rank as top four highest-paid wide receivers, there are still some elite talents waiting for their next big payday.
Among them are Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson and San Francisco 49ers standouts Brandon Aiyuk.
Other wide receivers eligible for deals this offseason include:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 30, 2024
Justin Jefferson
CeeDee Lamb
Ja’Marr Chase
Brandon Aiyuk
Tee Higgins https://t.co/xNgU1Lr0B7
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Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
New York Yankees star Aaron Judge missed Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies with an elbow injury, and the slugger is now headed to the injured list. The Yankees fell 9-4 to the Phillies on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., which marked their third consecutive loss. Judge played in Friday night's 12-5 loss to Philadelphia, but Aaron Boone announced before Saturday's game that Judge was dealing with an "elbow issue" and would sit out. Following his team's latest loss, Boone shared some new information about Judge's injury. Judge has been diagnosed with a flexor strain, but the Yankees believe he can return in less than two weeks. When Judge returns to the lineup, Boone said it will initially be as a designated hitter. Judge is having an outstanding season. He entered Saturday batting .342, which is the best mark in baseball. The reigning American League MVP has 37 home runs, 85 RBI and a 1.160 OPS. The Yankees are now six games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays and fighting to remain atop the wild-card race. It goes without saying that they are hopeful Judge will be able to return as soon as possible.
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