Broncos Receiver Marvin Mims' Future in Doubt After Waddle Trade

Former Broncos player Bennie Fowler suggests Mims may not be in Denver's long-term plans.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:48am

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The Denver Broncos' acquisition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a trade with the Miami Dolphins has raised questions about the future of Broncos receiver Marvin Mims. Former Broncos player Bennie Fowler believes Mims' time in Denver could be short-lived, as the team may not be willing to extend him due to the high-priced contracts of Waddle and other receivers.

Why it matters

Mims has been a valuable contributor to the Broncos, making the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons as a kick and punt returner. However, the team's investment in Waddle and the potential cost of extending Mims could lead the Broncos to move on from the young receiver after the 2026 season.

The details

Fowler, who won a Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015, appeared on the DNVR podcast and suggested that Mims is likely aware he won't be getting a contract extension in Denver. "If I'm Marvin, I know I'm not getting extended here," Fowler said. "I now feel like I'm a trade candidate." Broncos radio announcer Dave Logan acknowledged the possibility, noting that the team hasn't incorporated Mims into the offense as much as many think they should have.

  • Mims is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.

The players

Marvin Mims Jr.

A young wide receiver for the Denver Broncos who has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons as a kick and punt returner.

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver acquired by the Denver Broncos in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, adding to the team's high-priced receiving corps.

Bennie Fowler

A former wide receiver for the Denver Broncos who won a Super Bowl with the team in 2015.

Dave Logan

The radio play-by-play announcer for the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“If I'm Marvin, I know I'm not getting extended here. You're not gonna have a $27 million receiver, a $30 million receiver and extend me”

— Bennie Fowler, Former Broncos wide receiver

“I now feel like I'm a trade candidate.”

— Bennie Fowler, Former Broncos wide receiver

What’s next

The Broncos will likely have to make a decision on Mims' future with the team after the 2026 season, as they may not be willing to extend him due to the high-priced contracts of other receivers on the roster.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the difficult decisions NFL teams face when managing their salary cap and roster, as they must balance the value of young, talented players like Mims with the need to allocate resources to their highest-paid stars. The Broncos will have to carefully weigh their options with Mims in the coming year.