Overview
- Denver acquired wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from Miami at the cost of its 2026 first-round pick, and he is under contract through 2028 on a three-year, $84.7 million deal.
- Evaluators raised Denver’s stock after the move, with Bleacher Report ranking the roster No. 2 on the strength of a league-leading pass rush and a new Sutton–Waddle pairing, and ESPN rating the team’s free agency class fifth while calling the trade a terrific fit.
- With no first-round selection, the Broncos are viewed by CBS Sports as the team most likely to win big among clubs without an opening-round pick.
- Sean Payton must decide how to deploy Waddle in the slot or outside, a choice that could squeeze roles in the receiver room and put Marvin Mims’ offensive snaps under fresh scrutiny.
- General manager George Paton says remaining needs will be addressed with younger, cheaper draft picks, while quarterback Bo Nix’s full recovery from last season’s ankle and foot injury looms as the key variable for 2026.