Jaylen Waddle
Wide Receiver
Miami Connection
Waddle was instrumental in the Miami Dolphins' offensive performance throughout the early 2020s, reuniting with college quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and helping establish a core receiving corps. His presence as a high-volume target and efficient pass-catcher contributed to the team's competitive period, making him one of the franchise's most notable acquisitions of the 2021 draft class. His trade to Denver in 2026 represented a significant transition for the Dolphins as the organization committed to a rebuilding strategy.
About
Jaylen Waddle was born on November 25, 1998, and played college football for the Alabama Crimson Tide before being selected sixth overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2021 NFL draft. During his five seasons with Miami, he established himself as one of the team's premier receiving threats, signing an $84.75 million contract extension and recording 373 career receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. He had three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons from 2021 to 2023, including a career-high 104 catches as a rookie and 1,356 yards in 2022 when he led the NFL in yards per catch. In 2024, his final season with the Dolphins, he recorded 58 receptions for 744 yards and two touchdowns before being traded to Denver as part of the franchise's rebuilding effort.