Broncos Acquire Star WR Jaylen Waddle in Trade with Dolphins

Waddle reunites with former Alabama teammate Patrick Surtain II in Denver

Mar. 19, 2026 at 5:25am

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The Denver Broncos have acquired star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for three 2026 draft picks. Waddle, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, is thrilled to be reunited with his former Alabama teammate Patrick Surtain II, the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The acquisition of Waddle gives the Broncos another elite receiving threat alongside two-time Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton.

Why it matters

The trade for Waddle is a major move for the Broncos as they look to build on their AFC Championship Game appearance last season. Waddle is a dynamic playmaker who will provide a significant boost to the Broncos' passing attack and give quarterback Bo Nix another top-tier target. The reunion with Surtain also adds an intriguing personal storyline to the move.

The details

Waddle, 27, recorded 64 catches for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns in 16 games for the Dolphins last season. He has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons and had a career-high 104 catches as a rookie in 2021. The Broncos sent the Dolphins a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft in exchange for Waddle and a fourth-round pick.

  • The trade was officially announced on March 19, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Waddle

A 27-year-old wide receiver who was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Patrick Surtain II

A cornerback for the Denver Broncos who was the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.

Bo Nix

The starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Courtland Sutton

A two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Denver Broncos who led the team in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in 2025.

Sean Payton

The head coach of the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“It was special. He was one of the first calls that I made. We talked about this earlier in our careers, we wanted to get together and play with each other. Just seeing it happen, it's special.”

— Jaylen Waddle

“Not too many details. We kept in contact through the years when Coach Payton has been here. He's been keeping me in the loop without even knowing.”

— Jaylen Waddle

“I don't think there are No. 1s, everyone is here to make plays and try to win. That's ultimately the goal for the team and for the organization.”

— Jaylen Waddle

What’s next

The Broncos will look to integrate Waddle into their offense as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season and aim to return to the AFC Championship Game.

The takeaway

The Broncos have made a major move to bolster their receiving corps by acquiring the dynamic Jaylen Waddle, reuniting him with his former Alabama teammate Patrick Surtain II. This trade gives Denver another elite playmaker to complement Courtland Sutton and should help the team's offense take another step forward as they look to contend for a Super Bowl.