Overview
- General manager George Paton said Monday Denver is focused on pick No. 62 as its first selection in the 2026 draft and added the Broncos could trade up if a target comes within reach.
- Paton confirmed Denver first tried to land Jaylen Waddle at the 2025 trade deadline and reengaged after the scouting combine before completing the multi-pick deal with Miami.
- Waddle arrives under multi-year team control — reported at three years and $84.7 million through 2028 — and brings three 1,000-yard seasons with 5,039 career receiving yards and 26 touchdowns.
- Evaluations rose after the trade, with Bleacher Report ranking Denver’s roster No. 2, while ESPN’s Ben Solak praised the move and flagged linebacker coverage issues after losses that included John Franklin-Myers, P.J. Locke, and Dre Greenlaw.
- Paton pushed back on dealing young receivers Marvin Mims Jr., Pat Bryant, or Troy Franklin, saying the team likes that depth, as outside analysts continue to float a short-term linebacker add such as Bobby Wagner as a possible fit.