MARCH 18: Following the Maxx Crosby drama, fans of both teams were anxious for Waddle to complete his physical to formally complete the trade. The deal was formally announced on Wednesday by both teams, indicating that Waddle passed his physical in Denver and is now officially a member of the Broncos.
MARCH 17: The Broncos’ first outside addition of the new league year is certainly a notable one. Jaylen Waddle is heading to Denver. 
The Dolphins have worked out a trade to send Waddle to the Broncos, as first reported by Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Multiple picks in the 2026 draft will be exchanged as part of the deal, as detailed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes Denver will take on the remainder of Waddle’s contract in full, including his 2026 base salary ($1.22MM).
Here is the full breakdown of the trade terms:
Broncos acquire:
- Waddle
- Miami’s fourth-round pick (No. 111)
Dolphins acquire:
- Denver’s first-round pick (No. 30)
- Broncos’ own third- and fourth-rounders (Nos. 94 and 130)
Until today, the Broncos had focused on retaining as many of their own players as possible. The AFC’s top seed in 2025 still had a vacancy with respect to pass-catching options, however. Denver was linked yesterday to interest in the tight end market, with Evan Engram disappointing during his debut Broncos campaign. Regardless of what happens on that front, a high-profile receiving option is set to be in place for next season with GM George Paton taking a major swing early in the new league year. A physical is scheduled for tomorrow, per Schefter’s colleague Jeff Darlington.
The Dolphins dismissed general manager Chris Grier shortly before the 2025 trade deadline. That led to an increased expectation with respect to the team’s willingness to move on from players. Waddle, 27, generated considerable interest, and the Broncos were one of many teams which made calls. In the end, no suitors were willing to meet the Dolphins’ asking price of a first-rounder and more.
With new GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley arriving, the Dolphins have begun a full-blown rebuild. Several veterans have been released recently in cost-shedding moves and to clear roster spots for younger replacements. That includes not only quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and edge rusher Bradley Chubb – both of whom quickly found new homes in free agency – but also receiver Tyreek Hill. It came as no surprise when Hill was cut, a move which seemed to put Waddle in position to operate as the Dolphins’ top wideout in 2026 and beyond.
Indeed, a report from last month named the former first-rounder along with lead running back De’Von Achane as core pieces the new regime was not looking to part with. Things have certainly changed in short order with a suitor willing to pay a premium for Waddle. Three years remain on his contract, a lucrative extension signed in 2024. Given the guarantees present in the pact, this swap will carry even more unwanted financial implications for Miami during an offseason full of major cap-related moves.
Waddle is owed an option bonus worth $6.06MM on Friday as part of his $17.24MM in overall compensation. That helps explain the timing of this trade, one which will see the Alabama product paired with Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims and Troy Franklin. Sutton’s pact runs through 2029, while Mims and Franklin – just like quarterback Bo Nix – are attached to their rookie contracts. Coming off the back of a second straight playoff appearance, Denver is aggressively pursuing an upgrade in the passing game.
Miami, meanwhile, will add yet another premium pick for 2026. Once the Waddle move is official, the Dolphins will own a pair of Day 1 selections and a total of seven picks across the first three rounds. Several roster holes will need to be filled next month, and receiver will no doubt be high on the priority list. With Hill and now Waddle out of the picture, Miami’s WR depth chart is currently topped by the likes of Malik Washington and recent additions Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert.
Putting together a cost-effective supporting cast around new quarterback Malik Willis will increasingly be the goal for Miami this offseason. This trade highlights to an even larger extent the long-term nature of the team’s rebuild. As the Broncos look to maximize their window with Nix on an affordable contract, bringing in a three-time 1,000-yard producer will generate increased expectations on offense.
Finally
Wow.
So Miami is definitely tanking.
No choice with the dead money situation.
And the severe lack of rookie contract talent on the roster.
Definitely tanking, but a pretty great return pick wise.
Agreed. That’s a lot for a small WR that gets hurt a decent amount and is on a big $$ contract.
“decent amount” compared to what? He missed 2 games in 24′ and missed a game here and there ( 1 gm 23′, last game of 25′) since entering the league. he has had various sprains and strains, and 1 concussion (missed 1 game) but has played through them.
If youre looking at total games missed, youre going to get an incomplete picture. Im sure theres a good number of games where he was limited due to the injuries youve admitted hes played through and im sure theres games hes started but not finished. He also missed 3 in 2023, not sure where you only got 1.
you are right, I messed that all up. I missed a game in 23′. (1 gm 23′) then the other one i didnt put the year,(the concussion),that makes 2 and I missed the last game of the year that he missed. 3 total is correct.
Rebuilding. No more Tua, hill or waddle. Achane stays. New young QB Willis. New staff. Why not? They’re paying Tua millions to play in Atlanta
This is the trade I was hoping the chargers make. We need a deep threat badly.
Waddle isn’t a deep threat at all my man. His combine 40 time would be beaten by half the LB and DE.
you would be wrong.
Waddle’s profile as a vertical weapon is backed by both scouts and advanced metrics: he has Elite speed (despite his 40 time) he has been clocked in excess of 21.8 mph, and topped out at 23.2 putting him in the Absolute Fastest Players in league history.
Led the league in yrds per rec at 18.1 a clear indications of “deep threat”.
recent overview of the trade “Broncos Trade (2026): Following his March 2026 trade to the Denver Broncos, he is expected to serve as the primary vertical threat for quarterback Bo Nix”.
Not to mention his ball tracking skills, adjusting to the ball while maintaining his speed.
He ran a 4.52 my guy. He’s a route runner like Kupp and St Brown. The dolphins didn’t send him and Tyreek vertical every play. They just sent Hill.
I backed my comment up with facts, you are backing yours up with opinion and an antiquated “40 time”.
Experts noted that as recently as November 2025, Waddle ranked as the fifth-best deep-ball receiver in the league according to PFF grades.
you’re wrong and medic is right
He was coming off a season ending injury at Bama, my guy.
Jaylen Waddle didn’t run the 40 at the combine or his pro day because he was still recovering from a major injury and he’s notably faster than you’re suggesting.
LOL, where did that 40 time come from? thanks.
I completely forgot he wrecked his ankle at Bama.
Right? Very strange. The idea that half the defensive ends in football could outrun Jaylen Waddle is quite a mental image.
Think the team is primarily focused on Oline (G or OT) for their 1st pick and somewhere I read this draft might have decent options at WR that can be had in round 2.
Yet no one really knows until it’s done!
So Denver has for the most part kept a 14-3 team together and added Waddle. Probably the AFC favorites next season. Nix Probably reaches career highs in yards and tds.
Agreed. Nix could have gotten them to the superbow if not for that injury
“should”… And the SB wouldn’t have sucked 🙁
I’m a Bo Nix believer but with how the dark side made the MVP runner up look, Nix would have never scored a touchdown
The only people that have solved a prime Mike Macdonald defense so far is Stafford and McVay
It wasn’t solely because of Nix, but I believe Nix wouldn’t have choked Goff-style like Maye did. Maye had the opportunity to complete easy passes and was missing guys left and right clearly rattled. Broncos defense vs Seattle defense would have evened things. Darnold was clearly the weak link and the broncos could have exploited him. Just my casual view.
Don’t disagree, but their defense was the reason they won 14 games. I thought Nix took a slight step back. Waddle will help.
Seems like a good comparable price for AJ brown
Not even close
They wanted him last year guess they finally handshaked on solid terms. Giving up a 30th overall in exchange for a proven WR sounds smart to me. Broncos actually don’t need much anyway. A few edge rushers and more efficient run game they’re playoff bound imo
Could use a better TE as well.
Yeah there could be steals on day 2. Stowers. Raridon. Few others
@Tymeslayer David Njoku on this offense would be icing on the cake.
@SentinelATL it seems to me that the Waddle asking price came down from 2 1st to just 1.
Yeah seems like it
Curious how the money shakes out. If they didn’t do any reworking and I’m reading his contract correctly, Denver is taking on something in the neighborhood of 2 years and $32 million in guarantees, which is a great value on Waddle considering the market. (There’s a third remaining year at $25 million with no guarantees remaining, but that’s unlikely to play out without new money.) Trading away 30, 94, and 130 while getting back 111 isn’t a backbreaking price at all when they have a very complete roster and aren’t trading away future picks. There’s risk, obviously, but this is a strong move. Love pairing Waddle and Sutton.
For Miami, they’re not winning any time soon and they need to add so much talent–and especially cheap, controlled talent–to this roster, so it makes sense, even if it’s not the biggest haul. Bummer for Malik Willis, though.
@Oooof. I just dont get the willis signing. They might as well gotten geno Smith for 1.2, and embrace the tank.
I’m generally with you, but also there’s upside to the Willis deal. If you think he has a good chance to be even close to an average starter, then 3 years $67 is chump change. If he falls on his face, the wasted money is far from crippling.
I think the point was that if Willis is average, that’ll only hurt their draft stock. As a Pats fan, I loved the signing!
Why spend that money on Malik if you’re gonna turn around and trade his best weapon and tank? May as well have saved the money and put some kid under center and completely tanked.
Savvy deal for the Broncos and Dolphins too honestly.
Should have just signed Pickens and gave up 2 first.
Why deal with a head case if you’re a true contender? I mean, why deal with the drama?
Yep. And then sign him.
Pickens is a cancer. Denver doesn’t need that.
Yeah since they already have Sean Payton.
More like doesn’t want, rather than need.
It was reported that the Bills wouldn’t give up a 2026 first round pick for Waddle. The Broncos knew what the price would be.
Almost a Ricky Williams trade
This is not remotely in the same stratosphere as the Ricky Williams trade. That one involved 3 first round picks and a ton more picks, and the immediate first round pick in that trade was a much higher one.
Agree
Not even close
Granted, the Broncos pick is at the end of each round, but that still seems like a lot to give up for Waddle. Especially in advance of a draft that is supposed to be WR heavy.
100%
dont be fooled, Waddle is elite.
Waddle is a stud. He put up good numbers with Hill taking targets and no QB. I hate the Broncos, but this is a great trade for them.
Meh. He’s coming off a 64 catch, 910 yard season and netted a 1st and a 3rd. DK Metcalf was coming off a 66 catch, 992 yard season last year and only netted a 2nd. This was an overpay any way you slice it.
In a vacuum, sure. Add the exterior factors like… DK requesting a trade after a very public contractual stalemate, and having one less year on his contract. Waddle, has two, maybe three valuable years left on the contract, is in his prime, etc. You get your answer.
One extra year on a contract is worth that much more? Is the contract some kind of steal? No. DK isn’t in his prime? Yeah, he is. Don’t strain yourself reaching.
If a player publicly reveals he wants out they’re going to get him at a discount. Yes the extra year at is rate, is below market, allowing a team like the Broncos room to make other moves. It’s not rocket science. Prime may have been the wrong choice as, I’d agree one is beginning his the other was leaving his.
QBs, usage, injuries are all factors, and I won’t pretend that players all peak at the same age. A player malcontent to finish out the final year of his contract without an extension is going to be cheaper than one with two years+ of affordable control. They’re both good players that have elite qualities. There’s no arguing that.
Holy s…
Very good player if Bo can get a pass to him.
But why not just save your picks and draft at 30 in a historically deep wr draft??! Smh.
It’s not a historically deep WR draft class.
But the upper couple of rounds are chock full of guys who can help immediately
Help how much and how immediately? We’re talking about a Super Bowl contender that has two more cheap years of their quarterback that just locked in two prime years of a top 20 NFL receiver (and unless/until they change his contract, he’ll cost a total of like $32 million for those two years). You can’t plan on landing a player nearly that good when you’re picking at the end of the first round and certainly not one who will be good right away. When’s the last time we saw receivers picked from 25 overall to the late second round be that good right away? 2020? And the top 5 or 6 receivers in the draft could very well be gone by the time 30 overall comes up.
You made a general statement, Oooof, and then related it to the Broncos. If you’re talking about them or really any team that was one of the final teams standing last season, I agree with you. Their needs are much different But in general, wide receiver does have some depth for this draft
If you’re talking about mid range and bottom feeding types then it’s a different story. There are several guys who could jump in and make a real impact. Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson and Denzel Boston all will likely start for their teams. There are others, of course
I do understand. Like anything else, draft position means everything
There are some good receivers in this draft, but it’s definitely not historically deep in receivers (check out 2010 or 2014). I don’t think this draft is even deeper in receiver talent than 2021, 2022, or 2023. I also don’t think any of the guys you mentioned (or Cooper) will make it to 30.
Agree with your last comment
As for the rest, time will tell
But if he gets hurt again? Payton was clambering about Nix having weak ankles…
I’m thinking Miami won this trade if their draft is positive seeing they need much inexpensive talent for a couple years.
I think the trade generally makes sense for where both teams are in their builds.
Known commodity versus unknown.
Broncos can take it all this year
This seems like a solid deal for the donkeys. Buffalo should be kicking themselves for not making the one they had on the table in October
I don’t think Miami would have traded Waddle to a division rival, just like Dallas wouldn’t have traded Micah to Philly. They don’t want to help a division rival get that much stronger.
If the cost outside the division was this, then minimum it would be a 1st and 2nd for Buffalo to even get a call back. That’s a lot for a wr
Achane is now the only stud remaining from those speed dolphins
Waddle was good for Miami. However, there were bad drops at inopportune times. And like noted above, many occasions where he came up limping in the 1st half that rendered him useless for the rest of the game. But to his credit, he always suited up the next week
I don’t know how Kansas City is gonna cover all these weapons in Denver.
Here the Dolphins go again tearing down the Team & getting rid of all the top players for relatively nothing significant in return except a record amount of Dead Money on the books. I’m not pleased with what this NEW Green Bay Packers regime in Miami. I don’t expect the Dolphins to be a Post Season Contender for at least a few years. The Dolphins have entered the Chris Grier Era #2.
The Fins are definitely taking it on the chin for next few seasons with the cap for sure. However, I disagree with your assessment about this being the Chris Grier Era#2. Chris Grier occasionally drafted good players, but would always let them walk in free agency. He constantly chased big fish in free agency and outside of Hill, largely struck out.
In my opinion, Grier was a horrible talent evaluator. And the Tua draft is an abomination. Hunt, the best pick from that year got paid by Carolina and not Miami. The new regime seems to put far more emphasis on homegrown talent. Seven picks in the top 100 is a nice cheap way to start a sustained culture shift that has been much needed for this franchise since Marino left.
You are wrong about Grier letting the Studs on the Team walk in Free Agency because he would trade them before Free Agency. The Green Bay Team needs to show that they can actually build instead of tear down & not really get anything in Return, They received very little for Waddle & they received even less for Fitzpatrick. The thing that this Regime has managed to get is a RECORD setting Dead Money amount.
Outside of Tunsil and Minkah the first time what homegrown stud did Grier ever trade? Wilkins, Van Ginkle, Jevon Holland, and Robert Hunt — all productive players in Miami who didn’t get paid by Miami but got paid by other teams.
I thought the return on Waddle was excellent. Hes not AJ Brown, don’t kid yourself. And Minkah? To get any kind of return on him at this point is a win. A huge cap hit was coming irrespective of whoever assumed the leadership roles. Do you have a viable suggestion of how the Dolphins could’ve handled the cap better? Grier’s regime was a stain. The draft has not even happened yet and already and already you’re prognosticating doom for the new regime. LOL
I want experienced people making Decisions & Sullivan doesn’t have any Experience in being the top Decision Maker, Hadley doesn’t have any NFL Head Coaching experience.
So far Sullivan hasn’t proven anything more than he can tear a team apart & I half way expect him to dump Achane since his the only Stud left on the Roster.
Sullivan didn’t get enough for Waddle & he didn’t really didn’t get anything for Fitzpatrick & the only thing that Sullivan has done is give the Dolphins a Record setting amount of Dead Money.
I said back when Tua was drafted that he was the wrong one to take & said the Dolphins would be better taking Herbert who broke Rookie Records set by Mahomes. The Dolphins would have been better taking the 5th QB who went in the 2020 Draft Jalen Hurts who went in the 2nd Round to Philly & Hurts is better than the 4 QB’S that were drafted before him.
Sullivan has a ton to prove he is worthy of being the GM because he hasn’t proven anything good so far
I agree largely with what you are saying. However, be it Sullivan or anyone else, someone is going to have to do the financial laundry to wash away the skidmark stain that was the Grier era. I have been a dolphin fan my entire life. I will always love this team, but realistically speaking they have been very soft for a very long time. I am excited for the new leadership team. The Seahawks won this year and their coach is in what his second or third year? These guys have to start somewhere. Look at the Broncos setting the blueprint a few years back by cutting Russell Wilson. Now they look pretty formidable. It would be nice to imagine the dolphins being able to do the same or better.
I am of two minds on the Achane trade. He is easily the best player on the team, and he has been an absolute stud and steal, and one of the very few bright spots from the Grier era. I would love to see him as a dolphin for life. However, his value will never be higher than it is right now. Being the fact that the Dolphins are obviously choosing to rebuild and they are not going anywhere this upcoming season, why not try and fill the roster out with young rookie deals and build a new culture that is not soft? If he is a part of that or not, time will tell.
There was optimism in 2020 when we had three first rounders. We all know how that turned out. I think if anything, the fact that there is new leadership making these decisions, should be an exciting time for this fan base. I know it looks ugly today, but I think that the cap situation looks alot better next year and really good two years from now. I understand skepticism given recent history, but this feels different to me. It is honestly way too early to say anything. We have not even seen who they are going to draft. Way to early to grade them as failures or as a success.
The problem with loading up on Rookies is that Sullivan hasn’t gotten any Quality Draft picks except for the 1st Rounder in the Waddle Trade & in fact Sullivan sent a Draft Pick with Waddle.
Sullivan & Hafley has a to go a Million Miles to show they deserve their Positions.
Oh the Difference between the Seahawks & the Dolphins is The Seahawks Had a good foundation to build on & I would have said that the Dolphins had a halfway Decent Foundation to Build on until Sullivan went to getting rid of quality Players & not picking any real quality up in return.
The Only real quality that Sullivan has picked up is QB Willis who was projected to be the Top QB in Free Agency & all the rest of the pick ups are mostly 2nd stringers.
I don’t expect any real turn around for the Dolphins over the next 3 or 4 Seasons & possibly until the 5th Season with the record setting Dead Money on the Books
Ehhhh…. We will see how it shakes out. Hopefully the Dolphins can turn it around sooner than later, but definitely curious to see the new identity and vision for the future.
The team currently has 11 draft picks, if they could move Achane for another day 1 pick they’d be in a position to ‘possibly’ offset the dead money monkey a bit while finding the needed players for a rebuild. In a couple years when the dead money is mostly cleared and these ‘new’ cheaper draft picks have a bit of experience there might be a resurgence that surprises.
One doesn’t know until the ‘fat lady sings’!
Anybody check on Malik Willis lately?
He’s already under contract with the Dolphins
Smart move by BOTH.
Everybody hates a ReBuild. Especially FINS who have been irrelevant since Marino. So much talent mismanaged mixed with pure BAD LUCK.
Wannstedt had a LOADED Defense and did nada. Actually had a 10 win season and missed playoffs due to a dreadful AFC Central Champion.
RICKY was run into the GROUND to the point of living in a tent in his PRIME.
String of forgettable QB’s smack dab in BRADY’s run.
GRIER built team for 2023……Period.
Please someone ( outside of MIAMI )…see the injuries that crippled that team to an almost laughable level. That game in KC was a sacrifice! DENVER remembers that season for the 70 put up.
Tua led league in Passing.
Reek almost hit 2K, as both he and Waddle passed 1K.
Mostert had MONSTER year.
Achane averaged 9 YCP as a Rook.
Then POOF………it’s GONE.
Please see who did NOT play that playoff game.
In Waddle BRONCOS are DEF getting a player better than his last two campaigns indicate.
DENVER is class organization and hope they win AFC. Surtain is Hometown kid I watched play in HS.
In closing GRIER built a WIN NOW team…..that DIDN’T. What does annoy FINS die hards are players that are paid well by Ross, ( FINS consistently rank #1 on the Organization List ) Facilities,Trainers,Nutrition, everything.
And leaving players take SHOTS.
REEK and WADDLE showed class and did not.
I hope WADDLE explodes for DENVER.
…….but outside of ANDREW Van GINKEL, FINS did NOT overpay for exiting FREE AGENTS.
CAROLINA made HUNT highest paid G. Dud.
GIANTS gave HOLLAND a bag. Dud.
MOSTERT took shots, and has NOTHING to show outside 23’. Dud.
JONNU threw trash on MIA, and he did nothing in PITT.
Gonna stink down here for another roster build.
Good Luck BRONCOS 2026.