Denver Broncos Acquire Star WR Jaylen Waddle from Miami Dolphins
The Denver Broncos have traded draft picks to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins, addressing uncertainty at quarterback.
The Denver Broncos have acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in a significant trade, ESPN reported Tuesday morning.
Denver surrendered the No. 30, 94, and 130 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to Miami in exchange for Waddle and the Dolphins' No. 111 pick in the same draft.
Waddle is entering the first year of a three-year, $84.8 million contract. Last season, he hauled in 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per catch. Over his first three NFL seasons (2021-23), he averaged 83.7 receptions, 1,128.3 yards, and six touchdowns annually, while leading the league with 18.1 yards per reception in 2022.
Timing Questions Surround Trade
The acquisition comes as Denver grapples with uncertainty at quarterback. The Broncos finished last season as the AFC's No. 1 seed at 14-3 before losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game—a contest played without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who suffered an ankle fracture in the prior week's divisional round.
During the regular season, Denver ranked 11th in passing yards (223.9 per game), while Nix led the NFL with 612 passing attempts. The team has promoted quarterbacks coach Davis Webb to offensive coordinator with playcalling duties.
Receiver Room Takes Shape
Waddle joins a receiving corps anchored by Courtland Sutton, who earned his second career Pro Bowl selection in 2025, and Troy Franklin.
Miami's Aggressive Overhaul Continues
The trade marks another aggressive move under Miami's new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. The Dolphins earlier this offseason released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa—absorbing an NFL-record $99 million in dead cap—while also parting ways with injured five-time All-Pro Tyreek Hill and two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb.
