Miami Dolphins Make Fifth-Year Option Decisions on Jaelan Phillips, Jaylen Waddle

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier discusses the upcoming draft on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Unless the Miami Dolphins work out a contract extension with Jaelan Phillips and/or Jaylen Waddle in the next 11 months, more than a tenth of their 2025 salary cap will be tied up with those two players alone.

That’s the financial reality after Chris Grier confirmed Tuesday what was universally anticipated: That the Dolphins will pick up the fifth-year option on both Waddle and Phillips (at $15.6 million and $13.3 million, respectively).

Miami Dolphins’ Plans for Jaelan Phillips, Jaylen Waddle

“We’ll end up picking it up on them,” Grier said. “I’m comfortable saying that. There’s no reason to sit here and lie to you guys and hide it.”

It might not be the only time each player’s contract will adjust this offseason. The Dolphins have motivation to extend both players, although it could be tricky in the near future.

Phillips remains months away from being football ready after shredding his Achilles on Black Friday. And Waddle won’t be in any hurry to take a hometown discount, particularly after seeing his self-described “twin” DeVonta Smith just get $51 million guaranteed from the Philadelphia Eagles.

Regarding Phillips, he insisted over the weekend that he’ll be ready for Week 1.

That’s certainly encouraging for fans to hear. But the Dolphins are going to play this one cautiously — and might want to hold off on any extension talks until he proves he’s the same player he was prior to his injury.

“Well, Dr. Phillips, you know, I don’t wanna speak for him,” Grier said with a chuckle. “It’s been fun watching [Phillips and fellow pass rusher Bradley Chubb].

“They’ve been rehabbing like crazy, and you guys know, they’re kind of maniacal just how they attack it. I don’t put any timelines or pressure on it. Our doctors have done a great job working with them, working through the process. Any timelines I wouldn’t feel comfortable with until we get to training camp, and we give you more information then.”

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Grier then specifically responded to a question from PFN if their optimism about Chubb and Phillips being ready for Week 1 would make them less inclined to take a pass rusher..

“[We’ll] always [take] the best player available, as we talked about over the years. Whatever position that is that can impact us in Round 1, if we have that pick, we’ll be excited to have them.”

Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s all-new Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls — lone wolf or with your friends!