This past March, the Denver Broncos made one of the biggest trades of the NFL offseason acquiring star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. It was an all-in move for the Broncos who are doing whatever it takes to assemble a championship caliber roster.
The offense performed admirably last season. Quarterback Bo Nix made major strides in year two and several other players on offense flashed their talent. Alas, they had various issues which plagued them throughout their 2025 campaign
that needed to be addressed.
Finding a top-tier receiver who can separate versus zone and man coverage routinely, excel in the screen game, and also be a deep threat in the offense was one of Denver’s top priorities. With the addition of Waddle’s, all of Broncos Country is hoping that move will be the spark that ignites the Broncos offense into one of the league’s best units in 2026.
Who better to speak on what Waddle brings to the team than his former collegiate roommate and teammate Patrick Surtain II? The two were best friends in their time at Alabama helping propel the Crimson Tide to a CFP National Championship in 2020. Five years after being Top 10 selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, they are reunited again in the Mile High City.
When asked about the Broncos’ adding Waddle into the mix, Surtain had nothing but glowing praise for his longtime friend.
“It creates a whole new dynamic, and that’s pretty exciting. When you have a player like that on your team, iron sharpens iron and we’re looking forward to those matchups and those battles. I’m looking forward to seeing him do his thing on Sundays. It is great for our team, and for the morale of our team and everything,” stated Surtain.
After three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start his career, Waddle’s production dipped the past two seasons with the Dolphins. A lot of the reasons why were outside his control. However, he has still performed well when it comes to advanced metrics—a prime reason why the Broncos were willing to trade away major draft capital to add him to the team.
With respect to yards per target, yards after the catch, and explosive catch rate—the sixth-year pro has often ranked in the Top 15 in such categories. Does that sound like something Denver’s offense could benefit from this upcoming season? Absolutely. With more firepower on offense, Offensive Coordinator Davis Webb should have no problem dialing up creative plays that boost the Broncos’ efficiency and productivity.
“Speed, speed, speed. Playmaking ability and he also has a good feel for the game as well, how to beat certain coverages and certain looks. Like I said, it adds a whole different dynamic for sure. It’ll be fun to watch.”
If all goes as planned, Waddle will be a star and focal point of Denver’s offense. And quite honestly, I’d say there is a very good chance he will be able to put together his best season yet in the NFL. He has all the traits and ability to do so and is finally with a team that can maximize his strengths and potential.
Surtain is right—this year is going to be a lot of fun to watch. Just how high can Waddle make the Broncos’ offense fly? You’ll have to tune in to find out. The regular season can’t get here soon enough.
