Broncos Acquire Dolphins' Star WR Waddle in Blockbuster Trade

Denver sends 1st, 3rd, and 4th round picks to Miami in exchange for Waddle and a 4th rounder

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:36pm

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The Denver Broncos have acquired star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster trade. Denver will send its 1st, 3rd, and 4th round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to Miami in exchange for Waddle and the Dolphins' 4th round selection.

Why it matters

This trade shakes up the AFC landscape, as Waddle joins a talented Broncos offense led by QB Bo Nix and coach Sean Payton. The Dolphins, meanwhile, gain significant draft capital to potentially replace Waddle and build around their new QB Malik Willis.

The details

The Broncos are sending their 1st, 3rd, and 4th round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Dolphins in exchange for Waddle and Miami's 4th round selection. Waddle, a former 1st round pick, has emerged as one of the league's most explosive wide receivers over the past few seasons with the Dolphins.

  • The trade was finalized on March 17, 2026, shortly after the start of the new NFL league year.

The players

Jaylen Waddle

A dynamic wide receiver who has been one of the top playmakers for the Miami Dolphins over the past few seasons.

Bo Nix

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, who will now have a new elite receiving threat in Waddle to work with.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos, who will look to maximize Waddle's talents in the team's offense.

Malik Willis

The Dolphins' new starting quarterback, who will now need to build chemistry with a new receiving corps after the team traded away Waddle.

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What they’re saying

“Jaylen Waddle is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. Adding him to our offense is a game-changer and will help us take the next step towards a championship.”

— Sean Payton, Head Coach, Denver Broncos (Denver Post)

“This was a tough decision, but ultimately we felt it was the best move for the long-term future of our franchise. We're excited about the draft capital we've acquired and the opportunity to build around Malik Willis.”

— Chris Grier, General Manager, Miami Dolphins (Miami Herald)

What’s next

The Broncos will look to quickly integrate Waddle into their offense, while the Dolphins will turn their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft and building around their new quarterback Malik Willis.

The takeaway

This blockbuster trade shakes up the AFC landscape, with the Broncos adding a game-breaking wide receiver in Waddle to pair with their young QB Bo Nix. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have gained significant draft capital to potentially find Waddle's replacement and continue their rebuild around Malik Willis.