Debuting on a 25th-ranked Miami Dolphins squad in 2021, Jaylen Waddle was the shining light through the clouds.
Waddle hauled in a then-rookie record of 104 receptions for 1,015 yards.
When Miami added head coach Mike McDaniel and fellow speedy wideout Tyreek Hill, Waddle acclimated to aplomb.
Then came 2024. Much like the rest of a suddenly sputtering Dolphins offense, Waddle struggled.
By his accord, Waddle's 2024 was "definitely the year that I didn't want as an individual," he told ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques.
Having turned in career lows of 58 receptions, 744 yards and two touchdowns, the 26-year-old Waddle is aiming to fine tune some things and certify last season as a blip in an otherwise sterling career thus far.
"After watching the film, definitely a lot of hand-eye (coordination) -- I feel like I'm trying to move without the ball too much," Waddle said of what he's working on. "And just the simple things, just timing, getting smoother in and out of my routes. Pretty much that."
Rewarded with a three-year, $84.7 million extension ahead of last season, Waddle's timing was certainly off. However, it's important to note that Waddle's off year was right in line with the rest of the squad, which went 8-9 and finished 22nd in points scored a season after it was the No. 2-scoring unit in the NFL under McDaniel.
Much of that could be pointed to Miami having to start three quarterbacks and play four due to Tua Tagovailoa's injury woes.
Waddle hasn't resorted to passing any blame, though.
"I think therein proves who he is -- where he doesn't make it a thing because it wasn't," McDaniel said. "His game is growing and he is going to find ways to exceed each and every year as he knows to be the standard now. ... It's kind of like a badge of honor in that he doesn't see it that way, nor should he, and he's a secure player that is working on his craft and the returns on that, he knows with his life wisdom that the returns will be very favorable."
Showing that kind of character might well be just as important for the Dolphins turning the tide as their production. Changing the culture in Miami has long been a focus unfulfilled for the club.
An ill-fated 2024 was forgettable in more ways than one for Waddle and the Fins.
Having seen his streak of three straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin his career curbed along with Miami's run of consecutive playoff berths, Waddle is working toward getting back to his previous exemplary form.
"I think he's shown his teammates who he really is," McDaniel said. "I think one thing that you can't really minimize is from a receiver's perspective, having quarterbacks that you didn't even practice with in training camp -- that's a difficult task. The way he worked on his game during the season has transferred into what we need to see from him, from every player."
