NFL teams pick up 5th
Receiver Jaylen Waddle, linebacker Jaelan Phillips, defensive end Gregory Rousseau, left tackle Christian Darrisaw and tight end Kyle Pitts were among the 2021 first-round draft picks whose fifth-year contract options were formally exercised Monday.
The Miami Dolphins picked up options on Waddle and Phillips. Selected sixth and 18th, respectively, Waddle and Phillips have become standout pieces on Miami’s roster.
Waddle is the only player in franchise history with three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and the ninth in NFL history to surpass the 1,000-yard receiving mark in each of his first three seasons.
Phillips set a Dolphins rookie record with 8 1/2 sacks in 2021 and has had at least six in each of his first three seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings picked up the option on Darrisaw, who has started 39 games since being selected 23rd overall.