After the blockbuster acquisition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Denver Broncos are likely to trade Troy Franklin during the 2026 NFL Draft. The Broncos were the quietest team in this year’s free agency, but they sent shockwaves once they agreed to send multiple draft picks to get Waddle. With the receiver now paired with Courtland Sutton, the veteran finally gets some help, which means the future now becomes complicated for Franklin. While the Broncos hoped that Franklin would turn into a true top Arsenal weapon for Bo Nix, the receiver room has become too crowded for the past few seasons between Pat Bryant, Marvin Mims Jr. and now Lil’Jordan Humphrey.

Denver is likely to trade at least one of their receivers, and that could be Franklin, who is likely to receive plenty of interest in this year’s draft. Selected as a fourth-round pick, the former 2024 NFL Draft product hasn’t had a ton of attention, but when he does, the receiver proves that he could handle more reps. Franklin might be too talented to stand in the shadow of Waddle and Sutton, so if there’s a chance for the Broncos to acquire a second-round pick in this year’s draft, the team wouldn’t say no.

The Broncos have plenty of needs to fill, including the defensive tackle position, after the team lost John Franklin-Myers. Head Coach Sean Payton is still looking for a “Joker” in their tight end role and possibly replacing Evan Engram in this year’s draft. While they re-signed JK Dobbins to another deal, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this team draft a running back to back up RJ Harvey. With that in mind, here are four teams that could acquire Franklin in the draft next month.

4 Possible Suitors for Troy Franklin After Broncos Jaylen Waddle Trade
Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys franchised tagged George Pickens this offseason, but that shouldn’t stop them from getting WR3 after losing Jalen Tolbert in free agency. The team needs a true playmaker in the slot behind Pickens and CeeDee Lamb, and someone like Franklin could be the perfect fix for this offense. They’ve tried to find that in Brandin Cooks, Jonathan Mingo and other solutions, but that went out the window once Pickens arrived.

Despite the offense shaping up, don’t be surprised if Jerry Jones has been silently working in the background and could trade for Franklin on Night 1 of the NFL Draft to put the league on notice.

Washington Commanders

Speaking of fans on notice, the Commanders have done an enormous amount of signings this free agency, acquiring Leo Chenal and Odafe Oweh on defense. They signed Chig Okonkwo, Van Jefferson and brought back Dyami Brown to shape up this offense. The receiver room is getting too overcrowded, but the Commanders want an answer quickly to accommodate Terry McLaurin alongside him, and Franklin might be the best fit for a WR2 role in Washington.

The Commanders could send Luke McCaffrey and a late-round trade swap in exchange for Franklin and an early future draft pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers are rebuilding their receiver unit, too, after losing Mike Evans to the 49ers. Chris Godwin’s time in Tampa Bay could be winding down with the rising talents of Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan. However, Baker Mayfield is getting older and wants to win a Super Bowl earlier than expected. The team won’t have the financial means to get the top receiver, but acquiring Franklin might be the best option to light this offense again and forget about Evans.

Los Angeles Rams

As long as Sean McVay is the head coach of the LA Rams, this team will always be explosive for several years. The team was rumored to trade Davante Adams this offseason, but the Rams could be moving in a different direction either way in 2027 once his contract expires. Matthew Stafford will probably retire, so that means the team targeting Franklin now would make sense for the future. Franklin could become the perfect complement behind Puka Nacua for future generations as the next starting quarterback in Los Angeles.