In the swirling world of NFL fantasy football, Jaylen Waddle finds himself at a crossroads as the WR2 in the Miami Dolphins’ offense. With Tyreek Hill looming large as the WR1, the question on everyone’s mind is, what does the future hold for Waddle in 2024?
As Waddle enters his fourth year in the league, many have labeled him as playing second fiddle to the dynamic Tyreek Hill. Despite putting up impressive numbers that demonstrate his potential as a WR1, Waddle has yet to fully break out. So, what can fantasy owners expect from him in the upcoming season?
Last year was a somewhat disappointing one for Waddle, as he recorded his lowest total of receiving yards in his career with 1,014. While this was only one yard less than his 2021 total, it still signifies a dip in performance. Additionally, Waddle notched his lowest ever number of receiving touchdowns, crossing the goal line just four times.
A concerning trend has emerged in Waddle’s first three seasons, with each year seeing him receive fewer targets and catch fewer passes than the previous season. Despite maintaining a healthy 14 yards per reception in 2023, doubts linger about whether he can sustain this level of performance. With Tua Tagovailoa increasingly favoring Hill in the passing game, questions arise about Waddle’s role and impact going forward.
Navigating the challenges of being in an offense with a star like Hill is no easy task. Tagovailoa’s diminishing focus on Waddle raises concerns about his ability to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. It seems unlikely that Waddle will surpass the 1,000-yard mark in 2024, and while his touchdown numbers may see a slight uptick, matching his 2021 totals appears doubtful.
On the brighter side, Waddle can take comfort in the fact that there are limited receiving options in the Dolphins’ system. With Jonnu Smith emerging as TE1 and Braxton Berrios in consideration, Waddle may have ample opportunities to prove his worth. In the past season, Waddle commanded a substantial 24% of the total targets in Mike McDaniel’s offense, hinting at a potential breakthrough in 2024.
While the road ahead may be challenging for Jaylen Waddle, his unique position in the Dolphins’ offense presents both opportunities and obstacles. As fantasy football enthusiasts ponder his future, only time will tell if Waddle can rise to the occasion and claim his spot as a top-tier receiver in the league.
