Stephen A. Smith Declares Broncos as AFC Favorites After Jaylen Waddle Trade

ESPN analyst believes Denver's acquisition of the star wide receiver makes them the team to beat in the AFC.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:21pm

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The Denver Broncos made a big move in the 2026 offseason, acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith believes this trade makes the Broncos the favorites in the AFC, citing Waddle's production and the financial details of the deal. Other analysts, like Emmanuel Acho, have also declared the Broncos as conference favorites following the trade.

Why it matters

The Broncos were already a strong team, coming close to making the Super Bowl in 2025. Adding a dynamic playmaker like Waddle to their offense, which already features Courtland Sutton, could make Denver's offense nearly unstoppable. If quarterback Bo Nix can return to full health, the Broncos could emerge as the team to beat in the AFC.

The details

The Broncos acquired Waddle from the Dolphins in exchange for a package of draft picks. Financially, Denver will be responsible for about $5 million of Waddle's $15.416 million guaranteed salary in 2026. Waddle is coming off a season where he had 64 receptions for 910 yards and 6 touchdowns.

  • The Broncos made the trade for Waddle following their loss in the 2025 AFC Championship game.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

A prominent ESPN analyst and host of The Stephen A. Smith Show.

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver who was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Denver Broncos.

Courtland Sutton

The Broncos' top wide receiver, who will now form a dynamic duo with Jaylen Waddle.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' starting quarterback, who is recovering from a surprise injury announcement in January.

Emmanuel Acho

An NFL analyst who also declared the Broncos as AFC favorites after the Waddle trade.

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What’s next

The biggest question for the Broncos should be the health of QB Bo Nix after January's surprise injury announcement. If he can get back to full strength, the Broncos could be a problem in the AFC in 2026.

The takeaway

The Broncos' aggressive move to acquire Jaylen Waddle has elevated them to the status of AFC favorites, according to prominent analysts. If Denver's offense can reach its full potential with Waddle and Courtland Sutton, and quarterback Bo Nix can return to health, the Broncos could be poised for a deep playoff run in 2026.