Dolphins Explore Trading Down from Round 1 with Raiders

Miami could move back in draft to acquire additional picks and address receiver needs.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-stride, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a range of blues, greens, and reds, conveying the dynamic and fragmented nature of the Dolphins' receiving situation.The Dolphins' trade of Jaylen Waddle leaves their receiving corps in flux, requiring a strategic approach to the upcoming NFL Draft.Denver Today

The Miami Dolphins made a major trade with the Denver Broncos, sending star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to Denver in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick at No. 30 overall and an additional third-round selection. This move has left the Dolphins' receiving corps depleted, and the team is now considering trading down from their No. 11 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to acquire more picks and address their need for a new top wideout.

Why it matters

The Dolphins' trade of Waddle to the Broncos was a surprising move that has significantly impacted their offensive outlook. Now, Miami will need to find a way to restock their receiving options, either by selecting a top receiver prospect at No. 11 or trading down to accumulate more draft capital to address the position.

The details

According to reports, the Dolphins sent Waddle, their 2021 first-round pick, to the Broncos in exchange for Denver's 2026 first-round selection at No. 30 overall and an additional third-round pick. This leaves Miami with the No. 11 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and the team is now considering trading down from that spot to acquire more picks that could be used to target a new starting wide receiver.

  • The Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos on April 6, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver who was the Dolphins' first-round pick in 2021 and has been a key part of their offense.

Jon Eric-Sullivan

The Dolphins' general manager who will be tasked with finding a replacement for Waddle in the upcoming draft.

Denver Broncos

The team that acquired Waddle from the Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick and a third-round selection.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Dolphins will need to determine their strategy for the upcoming NFL Draft, deciding whether to keep the No. 11 overall pick and target a top receiver prospect or trade down to accumulate more selections that could be used to address their receiving needs.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos has left a significant hole in their receiving corps, and the team will need to be creative in the upcoming draft to find a suitable replacement. Trading down from the No. 11 pick could be a viable option to acquire additional picks and address this pressing need.