Broncos Acquire Jaylen Waddle in Trade with Dolphins.

The Denver Broncos made a significant move to strengthen their offense by acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, according to a report from ESPN. The trade, reported by Adam Schefter, includes Miami sending Waddle and a fourth-round pick (111th overall) to Denver. In exchange, the Broncos will send their 2026 first-round pick (30th overall), along with third- and fourth-round selections (94th and 130th). Waddle, 27, is expected to undergo a physical with Denver before the deal is finalized. The move marks the Broncos’ first external addition since the start of free agency, as the team previously focused on re-signing key players from its roster. A dynamic playmaker, Waddle brings speed and big-play ability to a Broncos offense that struggled with consistency, particularly in avoiding three-and-out drives. During the most recent season, he recorded 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns—numbers that would have ranked near the top among Denver receivers. Since entering the league as the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Waddle has been a productive and explosive receiver. He set a rookie record with 104 receptions and later posted a career-best 1,356 receiving yards in 2022. Over his career, he has accumulated more than 5,000 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the league’s more reliable offensive weapons.

Despite a slight dip in production over the past two seasons, Waddle remains a valuable addition for Denver. His ability to stretch the field complements existing receivers such as Courtland Sutton and provides a needed boost to the passing game. Financially, Waddle is owed $41.2 million over the next two seasons, though Denver will initially absorb a relatively modest salary cap hit. The team may choose to restructure his contract, which runs through 2028. The trade reflects a clear effort by head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos organization to address offensive shortcomings following a disappointing playoff exit. While Denver fielded one of the league’s top defenses during a 14–3 regular season, offensive inconsistency ultimately limited the team’s postseason success. For Miami, the deal adds valuable draft capital, giving the franchise two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and increased flexibility as it continues to reshape its roster.