Broncos' 'dream' trade scenario could be more available than ever

As the 2026 NFL offseason begins to take shape, the Denver Broncos will be peppered with questions concerning how they choose to address upgrading the offense. Though the team went 14-3 in 2025, it seems obvious that they need more playmakers.

The team needs a productive, game-changing player at the wide receiver position. The Broncos have lacked that for years. Options such as A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill George Pickens are going to be discussed, but a team already going through major changes this offseason may have the answer in a player the Broncos took a look at last year.

The Miami Dolphins have already parted ways with Hill, Bradley Chubb and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in an effort to create more room under the salary cap and begin to overhaul their roster. You might remember ahead of the trade deadline this past season when reports came out that the Broncos were interested in Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle.

At the time, it was reported that the Dolphins were asking for too much in return. However, could that option be more available now with the Dolphins turning the roster over?

Could Broncos trade for Dolphins’ Jaylen Waddle?

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report suggests that this is the dream trade scenario for the Broncos this offseason. Here were his thoughts:

“This is a long-shot dream scenario, but not far-fetched given the Miami Dolphins’ roster turnover on Monday.

The Dolphins have a new general manager and coaching staff that may continue to tear down the roster in a full-blown rebuild. Jaylen Waddle has a tradeable contract that only counts $11.6 million against the salary cap.

The Denver Broncos may have to overpay in draft compensation to acquire Waddle, but it may be worth it while in a Super Bowl window.

The Broncos need more big plays in the passing game. Courtland Sutton averaged 13.7 yards per catch, but Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., and Evan Engram all averaged fewer than 11 yards per grab. As a rookie, Pat Bryant averaged 12.2 yards per reception, but he struggled to stay healthy late in the season.

In 2025, Waddle played through injuries. He only missed one game and racked up 14.2 yards per reception. The 27-year-old doesn’t have the accolades of a premier wideout, but his playmaking ability would move the needle for Denver’s aerial attack.

Remember, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Broncos “reached out” to the Dolphins about Waddle’s availability before the 2025 trade deadline.”

This is a move that makes sense, even if it doesn’t bring the Broncos that “superstar” that so many feel they need.

Waddle is still one of the fastest wide receivers in the league and he could threaten defenses deep down the field, allowing things to open up more for Bo Nix and the offensive attack. The big question would be, do the Dolphins want to move on from Hill and Waddle in the same offseason?

MORE: Broncos have to be out on Breece Hall if Jets make predicted move

For a team that will almost certainly have a new starting quarterback in 2026, it seems that keeping at least one proven option on the roster is a good idea. Still, it wouldn’t hurt for George Paton to place a phone call and see what that price tag looks like now.

Broncos’ ‘dream’ trade scenario could be more available than ever

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