Broncos Bolster Offense with Waddle Trade, Acho Declares Them AFC's Best

NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho believes the Denver Broncos are the team to beat in the AFC after acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a surprising offseason move, the Denver Broncos traded for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, reuniting him with his former Alabama teammate Pat Surtain II. NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho believes this trade has made the Broncos the best team in the AFC, citing their improved receiving corps, secondary, and defensive line as reasons why they will be the team to beat in the conference.

Why it matters

The Broncos were already a contender in the AFC, making it to the conference championship game last season. Adding a talented wide receiver like Waddle to an already potent offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson makes them an even more formidable opponent for the rest of the conference.

The details

The Broncos acquired Waddle and a fourth-round pick from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for three draft selections. Waddle is coming off a productive season with the Dolphins, catching 64 passes for 910 yards and six touchdowns. He will join a receiving group that already includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr., giving the Broncos one of the most talented pass-catching units in the NFL.

  • The Broncos traded for Waddle in March 2026.

The players

Jaylen Waddle

A 27-year-old wide receiver who was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos in March 2026.

Emmanuel Acho

A former NFL player who is now an analyst and commentator, and believes the Broncos are the best team in the AFC after the Waddle trade.

Russell Wilson

The Broncos' starting quarterback, who will have an even more talented receiving corps to work with after the Waddle trade.

Pat Surtain II

A defensive back for the Broncos who played with Waddle at the University of Alabama.

Courtland Sutton

A wide receiver for the Broncos who will be part of the team's improved passing attack.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Broncos are the best team in the AFC going into this upcoming season. Because at receiver, the Broncos probably got you beat, whoever you are in the AFC.”

— Emmanuel Acho, NFL Analyst (Speakeasy)

What’s next

The Broncos will look to build on their success from last season and make a deep playoff run, with Waddle's addition bolstering their offense.

The takeaway

The Broncos have positioned themselves as the team to beat in the AFC with the addition of Jaylen Waddle, giving them one of the most talented receiving corps in the league and making them a formidable opponent for the rest of the conference.