There is quite a bit to be excited about as the start of the regular season approaches for the Denver Broncos.
The team nearly made it to the Super Bowl last season and hopes are sky-high that it can get there this year as the Broncos are returning 21 of 22 starters from last year's team. But in addition to a new offensive playcaller, the Broncos traded for a new offensive weapon that they can't wait to unleash on opponents.
That player is Jaylen Waddle, the 27-year-old wide receiver who was once the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. On paper, it was one of the biggest acquisitions for any team this offseason and NFL analyst Chris Simms agrees.
Speaking with Mike Florio on Pro Football Talk, Simms selected Waddle as his most impactful wide receiver
on a new team in 2026.
"I just look at Jaylen Waddle, where he's at in his career; (he) still feels like he's in his prime and they need a weapon there in Denver; that was desperate," Simms said. "So I think he'll make the biggest impact out of everybody".
"Sean Payton is one of those coaches who will find a way to use whatever talent is available to him, but he will also find a way to go get guys that he can do what he wants to do," added Florio. "Jaylen Waddle walks in as the potential Michael Thomas in Denver, something they have not had in Sean Payton's time with the Broncos."
Simms, who played quarterback for the Broncos in 2009, likes the chances of the team having its big-play guy in Waddle. Combine that with this recent prediction from CBS in which Waddle could threaten a league record, coincidentally held by Michael Thomas, and those who watch and cover the league like what the Broncos have in their shiny new toy.
Soon, we'll learn if the bold move to trade for him pays off or not.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Chris Simms predicts Jaylen Waddle will make big impact with Broncos
