The Miami Dolphins lost a pair of star wide receivers this offseason in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. That leaves a massive hole on the Dolphins offense, but on the other hand, it’s also a terrific opportunity for the young wideouts on the team’s roster, including former undrafted receiver Theo Wease Jr.
As a rookie, Wease appeared in just three games, receiving 10 targets. He caught six of those passes, though, for 139 yards and a touchdown.
Fansided’s Phin Phanatic’s Brian Miller sounds intrigued by what Wease could bring over the course of a full season this fall. On Saturday, Miller named Wease to his list of Dolphins breakout candidates.
“Wease and Quinn Ewers shone throughout training camp before last season. Ewers’ connection with Wease helped the first-year WR make the practice squad. When Ewers took over the starting job, Wease got opportunities in games. He looked good,” wrote Miller.
“This year, he is making a strong case for the final 53, and if he makes it, he may push for playing time. Wease is well-rounded and capable of excelling in the NFL. He may prove that this season.”
During his college career, Wease played at Oklahoma and Missouri. He first spent four seasons with the Sooners and then two campaigns with the Tigers.
In 63 career college games, Wease had 173 catches, 2,610 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. He averaged 15.1 yards per reception.
Dolphins WR Theo Wease Jr. Named Breakout Candidate
GettyThe Miami Dolphins signed wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. as an underrated free agent last year.
Even without Hill and Waddle in Miami, Wease has his work cut out for him to make the Dolphins roster. At OurLads.com, Wease is a third-team receiver on the Dolphins depth chart.
That means, according to the website, there are six receivers ahead of him. Three of those wideouts Miami just drafted — Chris Bell, Caleb Douglas and Kevin Coleman Jr.
Yet, it’s still rather easy to be excited about what Wease could potentially bring to the Miami offense.
His big-play ability is obvious. In addition to 15.1 yards per catch during his college career, Wease posted 23.2 yards per reception in a small sample with the Dolphins last year. His touchdown was a 63-yard reception versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 28.
If Wease makes Miami’s 53-man roster, he’s not likely to be a starter. But he could be a deep threat as a WR3 or WR4.
The Dolphins offense has missed having a receiver take the cover off a defense since Hill’s terrific 2023 campaign.
How Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan Addressed Losing Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
GettyFansided’s Phin Phanatic’s Brian Miller named ex-undrafted free agent Theo Wease Jr. a 2026 breakout candidate for Jon-Eric Sullivan and the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins began rebuilding their roster after parting with Hill, Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa. At receiver, Miami signed veterans Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell this offseason essentially as place-holders until the team’s rookies are ready for significant roles.
Miami’s top receiver could be incumbent Malik Washington, who registered 540 receiving yards in his first two NFL seasons.
Wease will have to outperform one or two of the aforementioned rookies or veterans to earn a roster spot. Tolbert and Atwell should provide veteran leadership, but if a younger player outperforms them during the preseason, either receiver is expendable.
And just because the Dolphins didn’t pick Wease doesn’t mean he can’t play in front of rookies who the team did select in the draft. Miami should keep whatever young players perform best this summer.
The Dolphins signed Wease as an undrafted free agent last April. He didn’t make the team’s roster after the 2025 preseason, but he signed with the Miami practice squad.
Wease made his NFL debut on December 21 as a practice squad elevation. The Dolphins then signed Wease to the active roster before Week 17.
Dolphins Former Undrafted WR Called 2026 Breakout Candidate