Grading the Broncos' trade to get Jaylen Waddle from Miami Dolphins originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After being stagnant in free agency, mystifying their fanbase, the Denver Broncos made a huge move on Tuesday, acquiring former first-round pick Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins.
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The Broncos came into the offseason needing several things on offense in order to give the team a boost when it has the ball next season. After coming painfully close to reaching the Super Bowl this past season, the Broncos know the window to get there and win it is wide open.
This trade has been met with both positive reviews from fans who feel the Broncos got one of the league's best young playmakers, but also some negative reviews from fans who feel the team gave up too much in order to make it happen. Before we can hand out a letter grade for this move, let's revisit the details of this trade.
Broncos-Dolphins trade for Jaylen Waddle
Broncos receive: Jaylen Waddle, 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 111)
Dolphins receive: 2026 first-round pick (No. 30), 2026 third-round pick (No. 94), 2026 fourth-round pick (No. 130)
First, this is not a deep draft class, particularly for a team looking for an offensive playmaker. The Broncos did not have great options at the No. 30 slot to begin with, aside from Georgia linebacker CJ Allen, who obviously is not going to help the defense.
They send Miami their third-round pick but swap picks in the fourth round, moving up 19 slots in that round. For the crowd saying the Broncos gave up too much, that's a tough argument.
In return, the Broncos are getting back a proven playmaker who is still only 27 years old. He should still have several years of productivity left. Even Nick Wright, a television personality who is often critical of the Broncos, approved of the move.
"I like that for Denver... this is when you go for it."@getnickwright's LIVE reaction to the Dolphins trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos pic.twitter.com/VJdhxD31Ry
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) March 17, 2026
This is a terrific move for the Broncos as the addition of Waddle is going to open up the offense in more ways than one. He can threaten a defense at all levels of the field and that, in turn, makes players like Courtland Sutton and Evan Engram much more effective.
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The reality of how good or bad a trade is usually can't be officially graded until some actual results have been provided. But based on the details we have right now, it's hard not to like this move from Denver's perspective.
Grade: A-
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