Having already secured his own extension, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle advocated this week for star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to get his payday. Tagovailoa is entering his fifth year in the league and as it stands, he’ll play on a fifth-year option that’s worth $23.17 million.
“Tua is my guy,” Waddle said on Tuesday. “I’ve been saying that for a long time. Without Tua, I don’t think I would’ve got the extension I got. So everybody is rooting for him. He’s our guy. Make sense, let’s get it done.”
So far in his career, Waddle, selected in the first round one year after Tagovailoa, has caught 209 passes from the starting quarterback. The duo’s connection has been a major part of the Dolphins’ success over the last three seasons.
Waddle isn’t alone in his calls for the former Alabama star to receive a hefty extension deal. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who is also on the hunt for a raise, also spoke about how much Tagovailoa deserves his check this week.
“Tua should’ve been paid,” Hill said. “I’ve been saying that this all offseason. I know we have a great front office and they are going to get it done.
“A lot of people are comparing it to the Jared Goff situation and stuff like that. But I feel like Tua is supposed to be up there with some of them guys and passed some of them guys, because just understanding his story and just the progression of how he’s getting better each year and how he’s carrying this offense, it’s crazy.“
Last season, Tagovailoa was the league’s leader in passing yards. He also earned the right to start as the AFC’s quarterback at the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Dolphins give Waddle three-year extension
Last week, the Dolphins closed on a three-year extension for $84.75 million, which includes $76 million in guaranteed money, for Jaylen Waddle. His new contract makes him one of the top-five highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
It’s a well-deserved deal after multiple years of consistent production from the former Crimson Tide star. He recorded his third consecutive 1,000-yard season last year, and he did it in just 14 games. Through three seasons, Waddle has accumulated 251 catches, 3,385 yards and 18 touchdown receptions. He’s also added five receptions and 75 yards in postseason games.
The Dolphins receiver obviously has no qualms about the sum of money he’s receiving, however, Justin Jefferson‘s deal with the Vikings quickly surpassed Waddle’s on Monday. The Minnesota star received a four-year extension for $140 million.
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