The Miami Dolphins have had a tough offseason after losing so many valuable members of the team on both sides of the ball, including Christian Wilkins, Robert Hunt, Andrew Van Ginkel, Brandon Jones, Raekwon Davis, Jerome Baker, Cedrick Wilson, and more.
After losing so much talent, it became even more important to hang on to the remaining pillars of the team, and recent reports suggest that two stalwarts aren’t going anywhere.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters the team plans to pick up the fifth-year options for both receiver Jaylen Waddle and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips prior to the deadline.
#Dolphins GM Chris Grier told reporters that the team plans to pick up the fifth-year options for WR Jaylen Waddle and pass-rusher Jaelan Phillips prior to the deadline.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 16, 2024
Waddle and Phillips were the 6th and 18th picks, respectively, in the 2021 NFL Draft and have quickly become vital parts of the team.
DeVonta Smith was taken four spots after Waddle in that draft and just signed a 3-year, $75 million extension after posting comparable numbers to Waddle in his first three seasons.
Phillips was having a breakout year with 6.5 sacks in eight games before tearing his Achilles halfway through last season and has 22 sacks in 42 games so far with the team.
Picking up the fifth-year options on these two was a foregone conclusion, but fans are really interested in hearing from Grier on possible extensions.
These are two young and dynamic players at two of the most important positions that the Dolphins would be wise to lock up long-term.
Cap space is tight for Miami and it hasn’t even paid Tua Tagovailoa yet, so this regime is going to have to get creative because the Dolphins can’t afford to lose either Waddle or Phillips.
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