Falling short of their ultimate goal last season, the Denver Broncos knew they had to make a big move to improve their shots at a Super Bowl title in 2026. This past march, the Broncos swung a gargantuan trade to add an explosive playmaker to their offense. Sending off a first and third round pick [along with a fourth-round pick swap], Denver reeled in high-profile wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins.
It was an all-in move that was emblematic the team’s aggressiveness during the Sean
Payton era. While the defense ranked among the NFL’s best in 2025, the offense posted league-average marks across the board. Waddle’s addition will certainly bolster the team’s offensive efficiency and productivity for their upcoming gridiron campaign. The cost was significant, but the franchise is confident the savvy wideout will give them some much needed juice on offense.
Waddle has been a highlight reel thus far in camp. His speed and playmaking making ability have earned him significant praise from both coaches and players. Safety Brandon Jones, who spent three seasons alongside Waddle in Miami, spoke highly of his teammate after yesterday’s practice.
“He’s exactly who he was in Miami. Might be a little faster, which is insane. I didn’t think that was physically possible, but great teammate, great person. He just brings a different type of juice,” stated Jones.
“It’s a guy that can align anywhere, can catch any ball, run any route. Talks a lot of smack, too, which I appreciate. You kind of need that, especially during a training camp setting. Great dude, great teammate.”
Waddle’s addition to the receiving corps gives them a strong five deep at the position. The leader of the room, Courtland Sutton, will also play a significant role in the Broncos’ aerial attack. Behind them, a slate of younger players is hoping to make an impact this season: Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin, and second-year wideout Pat Bryant.
While there are only so many targets to go around, Jones felt confident Waddle’s presence will give the aforementioned a chance to shine this season when the time comes.
“I think it gives a lot of the other guys some opportunities depending on obviously down and distance and stuff like that,” added Waddle.
Perhaps nobody in Denver is more excited about Waddle than Bo Nix. Entering his third season leading the Broncos on offense, Nix is looking to make the next jump as a quarterback. Through two seasons, Nix has proven he was worth his draft slot and then some.
Nevertheless, there are certain aspects of his game that need a bit of work. With Waddle in the lineup, game day endeavors for Nix should be a little bit easier. In turn, those areas that need improvement will get better. After practice yesterday, he spoke happily and confidently about what Waddle can do to unleash their offensive potential.
“He’s an explosive playmaker. The guy is really good at what he does. He makes plays, he’s fast, he’s really explosive. He’s great ball in hand, he’s great going to get the ball deep, he’s great in the screen game. He can do just a lot of things. He’s very versatile. He adds an extra element to our offense, and it’s exciting,” remarked Nix.
“Middle of the field, outside, vertically, behind the line of scrimmage. Anywhere. We’re going to utilize him and whatever the defense is giving us, we’re going to attack.”
The Broncos haven’t had a wide receiver duo that posted 1,000 yards since Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in 2016. This season, Sutton and Waddle have the chance to be the franchise’s most dynamic duo at the position in a decade. If all goes as planned, Waddle’s addition to the team will catapult Denver’s standing as a middle-of-the-road offense to one of the league’s best in ‘26.
