New Headline: Jaylen Waddle's NFL Draft Showdown Keeps Denver Safe from Miami's Assault

The Denver Broncos are going for it all. After coming so close to reaching the Super Bowl last season, the team decided to mortgage its future for the one key piece it believes can lead the team to another Super Bowl title. [ Enter Yahoo Fantasy Bracket Mayhem now for your shot at $50K ] The Broncos gave up three picks — including a 2026 first-rounder — in exchange for Miami Dolphins wideout Jaylen Waddle.

The wideout — a former first-round pick — is coming off two straight disappointing years after gaining at least 1,000 receiving yards in his first three seasons in the NFL. It’s a steep price to pay considering Waddle’s recent production, but his surroundings may have played into that far more than his ability. Who won the trade?

Here are the grades: Broncos pay up for their one missing piece The Broncos are making a big bet Waddle can be the one player who can push the team to a Super Bowl championship. Denver gave up three 2026 draft picks in exchange for Waddle, including first-, third- and fourth-round selections for a wideout who hasn’t exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in either of the past two seasons. But there were reasons for Waddle’s declining numbers.

The Dolphins’ offense was much less effective following repeated injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel had to drastically overhaul his system, emphasizing short passes in order to keep Tagovailoa from taking hits. That resulted in poor numbers for nearly every member of the Dolphins’ offense, including Waddle, who had fewer opportunities to stretch the field.