The Miami Dolphins have signed its first pick from the NFL Draft.
Jaylen Waddle, who was selected at No. 6 overall, has inked a four-year contract that is fully guaranteed. During his career at the University of Alabama, the Houston (Texas) native recorded 106 catches for 1,999 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
Former Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the sixth pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, signed his four-year, fully-guaranteed contract today with the Miami Dolphins, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 14, 2021
He suffered a right ankle injury in 2020 but still turned in 28 receptions for 591 yards with four scores. Waddle had four consecutive 100-yard performances versus Missouri, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Georgia before sustaining a mishap against Tennessee. He returned to the Crimson Tide for the College Football Playoff National Championship versus Ohio State.
RELATED: ESPN experts have Najee Harris and Jaylen Waddle among predictions for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
According to Spotrac, Waddle’s rookie deal is good for $27 million. He will have a $17 million signing bonus, and his average salary is $6.7 million. Waddle also has a fifth-year option available. Miami wants to see Tua Tagovailoa become a special quarterback in his second season, and getting Waddle will help him transition. Before getting drafted, Waddle won a Southeastern Conference title in 2018 and helped the Tide secure a national championship last season.
He gives the Dolphins a threat at wide receiver and as a return specialist in open space.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
