The Miami Dolphins made an investment in Jaylen Wright during the 2024 NFL Draft, acquiring him via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. Miami sent a 2025 third-round pick to Philadelphia, allowing general manager Chris Grier and the Dolphins to select Wright in the fourth round out of Tennessee. While his rookie season was not particularly impactful, there were flashes of potential.
In his first seven games, Wright averaged an impressive 5.0 yards per carry on 42 attempts. However, over the next eight games, his production declined sharply, managing just 26 carries for 41 yards, a yards per carry average of just 1.6. Wright also wasn’t a factor in the passing game, but that is not his specialty. Wright’s best performance was in Week 5 on the road against the New England Patriots. Following an injury to De’Von Achane, Wright subbed in for 86 yards on 13 carries, for an impressive average of 6.6.
With Raheem Mostert no longer in Miami, Wright now has an opportunity to significantly increase his workload. He’ll share the backfield with third-year star Achane, veteran free-agent signing Alexander Mattison, and rookie Ollie Gordon. Wright will aim to earn a larger role when training camp begins.
Ideally, Miami hopes Wright can help ease the pressure on Achane by handling tough inside runs. Achane, who led all NFL running backs in receptions last season, could see his pass-catching role expand even further with a healthy Tua Tagovailoa. This shift may open the door for Wright to see a significant spike in carries.
Although Wright finished his rookie campaign with a modest 3.7 yards per carry, he demonstrated explosive playmaking ability and may benefit from an improved offensive line. The additions of James Daniels and rookie Jonah Savaiinaea could give the Dolphins more opportunities for physical, interior rushes. Still seeking his first professional touchdown, Wright could also emerge as a goal-line option in 2025
Jaylen Wright2025 Contract Details
In 2025, Wright will earn a base salary of $960,000, which will carry a cap hit of $1,150,005 and a dead cap value of $570,015.
How Acquired
Wright was drafted in the fourth round, No. 120 overall of the 2024 NFL Draft after the Dolphins made a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.
2024 Pro Football Focus Grades
Not enough snaps to qualify for PFF grading
2024 Stats
- 68 rush attempts, 249 rushing yards, three receptions, and eight receiving yards.
- In his first seven games, Wright had a 5.0 yards per carry average on 42 attempts
Quote
“When we had exit meetings, I was talking to Jaylen Wright about being able to non-verbally communicate to me his hunger for an increased role. I see better than I hear, and four OTAs in, I can see him following through with that. A big thing for him and really our entire team this offseason is each and every day being the exclusive evaluation time. Awesome one day efforts; we’re looking for consistency and continuity, and I think it’s the only way that we’re going to be happy with the product come fall.” – Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins RB Jaylen Wright seeking leap in second NFL season