Broncos' trade for Jaylen Waddle deemed unnecessary, could backfire as result

The broncos" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Denver Broncos took a slow and methodical approach during the free-agent signing period this offseason before filling needs during the 2026 NFL Draft. But they saved their biggest move for the trade market.

Back in March, the Broncos completed a trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, a move that added the kind of explosive player on offense that the team’s fanbase was begging for. Many fans instantly saw this as the move that would put the Broncos over the top in 2026, but not every deal works out for the best.

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report took a look at the trade and discussed how it could potentially backfire for the Broncos.

“The Details: The Broncos traded first-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2026 to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick.

The Presumed Rationale: One more weapon for Bo Nix in order to take that next step toward the Super Bowl after falling just short in 2025.

The Potential Backfire: That’s a lot of lost draft capital for a guy who has rarely been relied on as a No. 1 receiver. The five-year veteran has just one season with 1,100 yards or more than six touchdowns, but he’ll cost $27.1 million against the cap in 2027. This is a big change that may not have been necessary, and could potentially do more harm than good”, wrote Gagnon.

Gagnon is clearly playing devil’s advocate here, as he did with each of the big trades this offseason discussed in his piece. However, to suggest that the trade for Waddle by the Broncos may not have even been necessary is a bit off.

The Broncos needed more offensive firepower after just barely missing a chance to go to the Super Bowl. In fact, the same was the case following the 2024 season when the team finally reached the postseason again.

The Broncos have found their quarterback of the future in Bo Nix and in order for him to have the best chance to be successful, it only makes sense to surround him with as many weapons as possible. Courtland Sutton may never have been a No. 1 wide receiver, but he certainly isn’t at this stage of his career. The addition of Waddle actually gives him a chance to be a more effective player as he can switch to more of a No. 2 role.

In addition, the trade allows younger players such as Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant to have a bit of a relief as there won’t be as much pressure placed on their shoulders. A more relaxed setting seems much better for a young, developing player, right?

JP Acosta of CBS Sports sums it up well, calling the Waddle trade to the Broncos his favorite of the offseason.

“Denver is in a spot where they need guys who can tilt the scales in their favor on offense. While they’re incredibly well coached, they need true difference makers to get over the top in the AFC. Waddle is a difference-maker in the one way the Broncos needed: creating explosive plays. Denver finished 24th in Explosive Play Rate last season, making it way too hard for them on offense despite a talented offensive line and play-caller. Since 2022, Waddle has had a 24.8% Explosive Reception Rate, and an absurd 71.7% of his receptions have gone for first downs or touchdowns in that time period. Yes, giving up a first, third and fourth round draft pick is expensive, but Waddle’s explosive capabilities are exactly what the Broncos needed on the outside.”

“Denver is in a spot where they need guys who can tilt the scales in their favor on offense. While they’re incredibly well coached, they need true difference makers to get over the top in the AFC. Waddle is a difference-maker in the one way the Broncos needed: creating explosive plays. Denver finished 24th in Explosive Play Rate last season, making it way too hard for them on offense despite a talented offensive line and play-caller. Since 2022, Waddle has had a 24.8% Explosive Reception Rate, and an absurd 71.7% of his receptions have gone for first downs or touchdowns in that time period. Yes, giving up a first, third and fourth round draft pick is expensive, but Waddle’s explosive capabilities are exactly what the Broncos needed on the outside.”

In the end, the results on the field will dictate whether this was a good move or not, as is the case with any big trade. But it was absolutely the right move for the team to make.