Miami Dolphins standout Tyreek Hill, who led the NFL in receiving yards last season, foresees an even brighter future for teammate Jaylen Waddle in the 2024 season. Hill, expressing high expectations, believes Waddle is set for a breakout year, potentially achieving All-Pro status.
“He’s taken his game to another level in the classroom. He’s taking it more serious… asking more questions, which is great.
He’s very eager to get better,” Hill shared on Monday.
Waddle, who has been consistently productive since being drafted in the top 10 in 2021, has surpassed the 1,000-yard receiving mark each season, tallying 1,356 yards in 2022 which ranked him seventh in the league. Following these performances, Waddle secured an $84.75 million contract extension this offseason, an indication of the Dolphins’ confidence in his abilities.
Hill’s success has been monumental, including two consecutive seasons with over 1,700 yards—a record for the NFL. However, as Miami integrates new offensive weapons like tight end Jonnu Smith and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who will miss the first four games on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the distribution of passes may shift.
Last August, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa mentioned efforts were made to push Hill toward 2,000 yards. Now, the focus might slightly tilt towards Waddle.
“Yards is great, but at the end of the day, I wanna be able to win games,” Hill emphasized. With Hill stepping back slightly from personal milestones, Waddle could indeed see more opportunities, potentially elevating his role and impact for the Dolphins as they aim for a successful season. This shift signifies Hill’s team-focused approach and his belief in Waddle’s ability to rise as a leading receiver.