Dolphins Trade Star WR Waddle to Broncos

Blockbuster deal sends Waddle to Denver in exchange for draft picks

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:55pm

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The Miami Dolphins have traded star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster deal. In addition to Waddle, the Dolphins are sending a 2026 fourth-round pick to Denver, while receiving a 2026 first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick in return.

Why it matters

The trade allows the Dolphins to acquire valuable draft capital as they look to rebuild their roster, while the Broncos add a talented young receiver to bolster their passing attack as they aim to make a Super Bowl push.

The details

Waddle, Miami's first-round pick in 2021, has been a productive player for the Dolphins, recording 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns over his first five NFL seasons. However, with the addition of Tyreek Hill in 2022, Waddle became the team's second option in the passing game. The Dolphins are now looking to the future, using the acquired draft picks to help reshape their roster.

  • The trade was agreed to on March 17, 2026.
  • Waddle has spent the past five seasons with the Dolphins since being drafted in 2021.

The players

Jaylen Waddle

A talented young wide receiver who has been a productive player for the Dolphins over the past five seasons.

Denver Broncos

An AFC contender looking to add a top receiving threat to their offense as they aim to make a Super Bowl push.

Miami Dolphins

A team in rebuilding mode, looking to acquire draft capital to help reshape their roster for the future.

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What they’re saying

“Jaylen Waddle is a dynamic playmaker, and we're excited to add him to our offense. This trade gives us another weapon to help us take the next step and compete for a championship.”

— George Paton, General Manager, Denver Broncos

“While it's tough to see a talent like Jaylen leave, we believe this trade sets us up well for the future. The draft picks we acquired will be crucial as we work to rebuild this team and get back to contending for a division title.”

— Chris Grier, General Manager, Miami Dolphins

What’s next

The Broncos will look to integrate Waddle into their offense as they prepare for the 2026 season, while the Dolphins will use the acquired draft capital to address needs across their roster.

The takeaway

This trade represents a shift in strategy for both teams, with the Broncos looking to bolster their Super Bowl aspirations and the Dolphins prioritizing long-term rebuilding through the draft. The success of the deal will ultimately be determined by how the teams utilize the assets they've acquired.