The Miami Dolphins lock up Jaelan Phillips & Jaylen Waddle through 2025, signaling a commitment to their core while overhauling the defense. See the big moves from August 5.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
While the August heat beats down on South Florida, the Miami Dolphins front office was making it rain, solidifying the team's future and bolstering its present. In a massive statement of intent, the team officially exercised the fifth-year options for star pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and electric wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, ensuring the two foundational pieces are locked in through the 2025 season. This wasn't just a transaction; it was a declaration that the Dolphins are building around their homegrown talent for a sustained run at the top.
He's a 'secret weapon' due to his speed and ability to stretch defenses.
The decision to secure Phillips and Waddle was the biggest news of the day. It's a move that provides long-term stability and rewards two players who have become central to the team's identity. Phillips has developed into a cornerstone of the defense, while Waddle's synergy with the offense creates matchup nightmares. By locking them in, Miami avoids contract distractions and sends a clear message to the locker room and the league: the core is here to stay.
With the future secured, the front office turned to immediate needs. The defense is undergoing a fascinating transformation, particularly at linebacker. The additions of veterans Willie Gay, Jordyn Brooks, and Tyrel Dodson have created what defensive coordinator Joe Barry is calling a 'champagne problem'—an abundance of talent that will lead to fierce competition for snaps. This depth is a luxury Miami hasn't always had. Further back, following the blockbuster trade that sent Jalen Ramsey out for Minkah Fitzpatrick, the team moved quickly to reinforce the secondary by signing veteran cornerbacks Jack Jones and Mike Hilton. These signings are crucial for adding experience and stability to a group hit by injuries.
On the other side of the ball, the theme is speed, speed, and more speed. Running back De'Von Achane, speaking to the media Tuesday, emphasized the team's versatility and the need to stay healthy through camp. When asked about Tyreek Hill, Achane didn't mince words, calling the perennial All-Pro a 'secret weapon' whose gravity opens up the entire field. It’s clear the offensive game plan will continue to revolve around creating mismatches and maximizing touches for its most explosive playmakers.
With all the roster moves and strategic planning, the focus now shifts to putting it all into practice. The Dolphins are in the thick of training camp, with no game this week. The next test comes on August 10, when they travel to face the Chicago Bears in the preseason opener. This will be the first chance for fans to see the new-look defense in action and how the offense is gelling. It's the first step in a 2025 campaign where Miami aims to dethrone the Bills and Jets to capture the AFC East crown.
Today was a microcosm of the 2025 Dolphins' strategy: invest in your young stars, aggressively patch holes with proven veterans, and build a roster with depth and versatility. The pieces are being put in place for a serious Super Bowl push. Now, the work begins on the field. The countdown to the preseason opener in Chicago is on, and for the first time, we'll get a glimpse of whether these champagne problems and secret weapons can translate into wins.
