The Miami Dolphins woke up a sleepy start to the NFL’s second week of free agency with a massive trade. Per multiple reports, the Dolphins are trading WR Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Broncos will receive Waddle and a fourth round pick. The Dolphins get back a first round pick, No. 30 in this year’s draft, a third and a fourth.
Broncos are trading for Miami WR Jaylen Waddle, per source.
Denver receives: Waddle and Dolphins’ 4th-round pick (11th in round) in this year’s draft.
Miami receives: Broncos’ 1st round pick (30th overall) along with their late 3rd and 4th round picks (30th in each round) in…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2026
Pittsburgh had loosely been connected to Waddle dating back to last year’s trade deadline, with beat writer Mark Kaboly believing the Steelers made a sincere push to trade for him at the deadline. But a high price tag coupled with an interim general manager prevented a deal from getting done. Now they are scheduled to face him when they host the Broncos in the 2026 season.
After trading for Michael Pittman last week, the door seemed shut on Pittsburgh making another trade for a big-contract receiver like Waddle. He signed an $84.75 million extension with the Dolphins ahead of the 2024 season.
Despite never making a Pro Bowl, Waddle’s a well-regarded receiver who has endured difficult quarterback play the past several seasons. A three-time 1,000-yard receiver, Waddle’s best season came in 2022. That year, he caught 75 passes for over 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns while leading the NFL in yards per reception.
His production the past two years has been muted and he wrapped up 2025 with a 64/910/6 line. Now paired with Bo Nix under Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb, the latter now in charge of play calling, should jumpstart Waddle’s numbers. Denver had yet to sign any outside free agent this offseason, but make a splashy addition sure to calm the nerves of a angsty fanbase.
Under new general manager Jon Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins have purged their roster and are starting fresh. Denver, an AFC contender, gets a top wide receiver for its offense that ranked just 14th in scoring a year ago. A solid deal for both sides.
Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is happy with Pittman and the likely early-round draft pick on receiver to complete its starting wide receiver trio.