All it takes is one deal to open the league-wide floodgates.
It may be tough to spot at this specific moment, but the Miami Dolphins’ trade of Pro Bowl-type wideout Jaylen Waddle impacts the New York Jets’ offseason plans, especially at the receiver spot.
New York was dead last in the league in passing during the 2025 campaign with three different quarterbacks running the show. An underrated struggle for the group, though, was the lack of a true second receiving option on the offense opposite Garrett Wilson.
The Denver Broncos’ acquisition of Jaylen Waddle could benefit the New York Jets.
Denver’s big gamble
Denver went big-game hunting this offseason to find a quality starting receiver who could command top receiver targets. The collection of Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, and Troy Franklin found success last season, but upgrades were needed.
Their gamble on Waddle is the kind of move that contending organizations make when they believe they are a piece away from true title contention.
Last season, the Alabama product finished with 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns. He has missed only three games over the last two years, but his production has dipped in recent seasons.
A change of scenery could do the former sixth overall pick a world of good.
The move indirectly opens the door to changes along the receiver position, though. Denver is a team competing for a championship that still has their quarterback on a rookie contract, but there is only one football to throw around.
A player like Sutton, or even Franklin, may not be excited to share targets with a player like Waddle. It could lead to their names being traded around over the next few weeks.
Should that happen, the Jets must pounce, and fortunately, they have the resources to give it a go.
Jets wideout room
As things stand, the Jets roster features a top young wideout in Garrett Wilson and a boatload of additional questions for their remaining receivers. Adonai Mitchell was part of the Sauce Gardner trade, but there are questions about whether the former second-round selection is a starting-caliber weapon.
Fourth-round pick Arian Smith and return specialist Isaiah Williams make up the remainder of the Jets receiver depth chart at the moment.
Upgrades are desperately needed.
New York could stick to their original plan and use one of their four picks in the top 50 overall selections in April’s NFL draft to address that very need. The 2026 class is full of top talent at the position, after all.
But if the Broncos know they have to move a wideout, and don’t want to give a good player away to a contender, the Jets may be the perfect trade partner. Not only does New York have over $50 million in cap space, but its collection of draft picks provides tremendous trade flexibility.
If they want to bring in a player like Sutton to be their red-zone-type, big-bodied receiver next to Wilson, the resources are there. Had this conversation happened last year, Denver may not have been as inclined to discuss a deal for their receivers.
While there’s nothing substantial yet about Denver shopping any of its wideouts, things can change in a hurry. Also, don’t forget, the Jets’ two leaders — head coach Aaron Glenn (who’s quite close with Sean Payton) and general manager Darren Mougey (former Broncos employee) — are both extremely familiar with the Mile High landscape.
The Jaylen Waddle trade certainly changes things in the NFL. Considering the level of depth at the position and existing organizational relationships, the New York Jets could have an opportunity to accelerate that wide receiver change.