When the Miami Dolphins made the decision to sign quarterback Malik Willis in free agency to become their new starting quarterback, the team appeared to have the foundation for its offense.
With Aaron Brewer and Patrick Paul on the offensive line, they had two strong pieces leading the way for Pro Bowl running back De’Von Achane. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle was set to be the team’s primary receiving option following the release of All-Pro Tyreek Hill.
However, things quickly changed after the Dolphins traded Waddle to the Denver Broncos in exchange for draft capital, which included a first-round pick. Now, Miami’s quarterback has shared his feelings on the trade.
Miami Dolphins Quarterback Malik Willis Shares Feelings on Jaylen Waddle Trade
“Speaking to reporters, Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis was asked to give his thoughts on the team trading wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Willis responded, “It was unfortunate for sure, to say the least. That’s a really good player, and I would have loved to play with him, but that’s above my pay grade. It’s out of my hand.”
Prior to the trade, Willis had been asked about playing alongside Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane during his introductory press conference. At the time, Willis said, “I think it’s awesome. I think they both might be faster than me and that’s a good thing.”
It’s easy to see why Willis was disappointed that the team moved on from Jaylen Waddle. Waddle surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in his first three NFL seasons, and had shown the ability to play in the slot as well as an outside receiver. Despite being relegated to the team’s secondary option behind Tyreek Hill, Waddle had the fourth-best season by a Miami Dolphins receiver in 2022 as he finished with 1,356 receiving yards while leading the league in yards per reception.
Additionally, Waddle showed flashes of being capable of handling the primary receiving role for the Dolphins once Tyreek Hill suffered a season-ending injury. After Hill’s injury, Waddle surpassed 80 receiving yards in five of the next six games, before Miami began to adopt a run-first offense that limited passing opportunities.
Dolphins’ New Receiving Group
After the Waddle trade, the Dolphins were left without a proven wide receiver on the roster. The team had added veterans like Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Terrace Marshall. However, none of those players have ever had a season with over 1,000 receiving yards.
Miami then selected three wide receivers in the NFL Draft. Perhaps the most intriguing out of that group is wide receiver Chris Bell, who has drawn comparisons to Pro Bowler A.J. Brown. Eric Galko, the director of football operations for the East-West Shrine Bowl, spoke with the Miami Herald on the type of player Bell is. Galko said, “If he doesn’t get hurt in November, he’s a first-round pick. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up being the Dolphins’ best receiver by the second half of the season.”
Galko added, “He’s AJ Brown. He’s locked in on his rehab. I got a chance to get to know him; he’s a good person with a really impressive background. He’s self-confident but also a guy who can stay in the background. To get him in the third round, I can imagine how happy they were.”
Miami Dolphins Quarterback Doesn’t Hold Back on Jaylen Waddle Trade