Waddle traded to Broncos
The Dolphins have traded WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos — Miami sent Waddle plus a fourth-rounder to Denver in exchange for a 2026 first- and third-round pick, reshaping both teams' draft outlooks. ( )
The full pick breakdown shows Denver sending its 2026 first‑rounder (No. 30 overall) plus its third‑round (No. 94) and fourth‑round (No. 130) selections to Miami, while Miami is sending Waddle and its fourth‑round pick (No. 111) to Denver; the deal is pending a physical for Waddle. (espn.com) Waddle signed a three‑year, $84.75 million extension in March 2024 that included roughly $76 million guaranteed, a deal that still runs through the 2028 season. (nfl.com) Spotrac lists Waddle’s 2026 cap hit at about $4.9 million while projecting the Broncos will absorb most of the remaining guarantees, keeping Denver’s short‑term cash outlay relatively modest. (spotrac.com) Broncos payroll projections after the trade still leave roughly $18 million in available cap space, according to team cap updates, giving Denver flexibility for additional roster moves. (sports.yahoo.com) Waddle has three career 1,000‑yard seasons but did not reach 1,000 receiving yards in 2024 (744 yards) or 2025 (910 yards), per season stat logs. (espn.com) Analysts say Waddle’s sudden‑speed and route‑profile — especially on hook, pivot and crossing concepts — pairs well with Bo Nix’s strengths and should immediately alter Denver’s receiver hierarchy alongside Courtland Sutton and existing targets. (espn.com) Post‑trade draft math gives Miami a heavy haul in 2026 — 11 picks including two first‑rounders (Nos. 11 and 30) and multiple third‑round selections — a windfall that draft analysts say accelerates Miami’s roster reset. (si.com) Early trade grades skew split: outlets evaluated Denver’s move as a risky, high‑cost bet (Broncos grade around a B−) while grading Miami positively for stockpiling picks (Dolphins grade around a B+). (cbssports.com)
