Denver Takes on Dolphins in a Show-Stopping Rush Assault!
The Miami Dolphins sent wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a draft pick to the Denver Broncos for three picks in return. Here's what the trade means.
After moving on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receiver Tyreek Hill and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick since their new regime took over, the Miami Dolphins have been tearing things down in South Florida. On Tuesday, that trend continued as the Dolphins sent wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a draft pick (a 2026 fourth) to the Denver Broncos for three picks in the 2026 NFL draft (a first, third and fourth). Miami is clearly looking to start over, and this is just the most recent example, as new quarterback Malik Willis will now be throwing to a wide receiver group highlighted by Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert and Malik Washington.
Waddle still had three years remaining on his deal, and while he was set to make a decent chunk of change in the coming years, he's been one of the most productive receivers in the league since he was drafted. In his five seasons in the NFL, Waddle has caught 373 passes for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns despite having being the second option on the team (behind Hill) for most of that time. Miami did get a strong return, giving themselves seven picks in the first three rounds, which may help the rebuilding process.
However, a borderline Pro Bowl receiver in the prime of his career may have been just as helpful. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley are hoping that they can use these picks to address more holes on the roster, and they may certainly be right. They have to prove that while finding someone to replace Waddle as the team's top wideout.
More Dolphins: Dolphins updated list of 2026 NFL draft picks post-Jaylen Waddle trade This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Jaylen Waddle trade: Instant analysis of the Dolphins' big move