Not wavering on use of waiver wire

Dolphins hoping latest claim, WR Jennings, can provide needed boost

DAVIE — The Miami Dolphins have been aggressive when it comes to adding talent off the waiver wire, claiming 14 players so far this season, and this week’s claim of rookie receiver Gary Jennings could potentially boost Miami’s injury-decimated receiving corps.

The Dolphins hope Albert Wilson, Jakeem Grant and Allen Hurns will immediately fill the void created by Preston Williams’ season-ending left knee injury, which he suffered during Miami’s 26-18 win over the New York Jets last Sunday.

But the hope is that Jennings, a former West Virginia standout the Seattle Seahawks selected in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, can eventually become a key contributor.

Dolphins coach Brian Flores revealed that Jennings was among the Dolphins’ 30 predraft visitors to the team’s facility, which is an indication Miami saw something promising in the 6-foot-1, 215-pound re

ceiver, who has college experience kickoff and punt returner.

“It’s pretty cool to have built a prior relationship in that predraft process,” Jennings said of his previous exposure to the Dolphins coaches and staff.

“They’re a great staff. I can’t wait to see what they have to come.”

Jennings was a top performer at the Senior Bowl during practice, where he was clocked as the week’s fastest player, and during the showcase game, where he caught two passes for 64 yards, which included a 54-yard reception and 10-yard touchdown catch.

He also shined at the NFL combine, running a 4.42 time in the 40-yard dash and bench-pressing 225 pounds 20 times.

Jennings, 22, compares himself to Patriots receiver Mohamed Sanu and former Pahokee and FSU standout Anquan Boldin, which hints that he envisions himself as an inside receiver who works between the hash marks. That’s exactly where he did most of his damage at West Virginia.

The Dolphins have been searching for an effective slot receiver this season, and Jennings spent his final two seasons in West Virginia playing that role, catching passes from Will Grier. However, it’s unclear how Miami will use Jennings, who scored 13 touchdowns as a senior.

“I’m a playmaker,” said Jennings, who as

acaught 168 passes for 2,294 yards and 17 touchdowns at West Virginia. “I’m smart and heady.” So why did Seattle, which paid Jennings $710,932 in a signing bonus, let him go eight games into the regular season without Jennings playing in a single NFL game?

“He just ran up against the numbers, really,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said Thursday when asked to explain Jennings’ release.

“We took three receivers in the draft, and they are all good. Gary got scooped up right away [on waivers], and we knew that was going to happen. We have a number of guys at that position, and everybody is staying healthy and doing good.

“The opportunity for Gary hadn’t come in the game yet.”

The Dolphins inherit the remaining 3 1⁄2 years of his contract, which pays him $495,000 as a rookie, $585,000 next year, and has a base salary of $675,000 in 2021 and $765,000 in 2022.

Whether Jennings will contribute this season depends on how quickly he can learn the Dolphins’ playbook and whether he’ll develop chemistry with starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

While Jennings appreciates everything he learned in Seattle, what he’s thankful for is a fresh start with a franchise that believes in him.

“Everything [happens for] a reason,” Jennings said. “Everything works out in its own way, so I’m just happy to be where I am now.”