The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, and the Denver Broncos didn’t make a move, although several reports warned that head coach Sean Payton could make a surprise move. Days later, it became clear what that report was referring to. The Broncos were reportedly pursuing a former top-10 pick before the deadline but could not reach an agreement.
The Broncos Were In on a Former Top-10 Pick
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport published an in-depth report Saturday outlining several deals that nearly happened before the deadline. One of the key notes included a mention of the Broncos’ interest in Jaylen Waddle.
Rapoport reported that the Dolphins received trade inquiries from teams including the Broncos for Waddle, but Miami held firm on its asking price — a first-round pick or more — and ultimately kept him
He wrote, ” (The) Dolphins held firm on wanting a first-rounder and maybe more for Waddle and despite calls from teams such as the Steelers and Broncos, he stayed in Miami.”
Inside the Broncos organization, there’s a strong sense that the team needs a difference-maker at wide receiver. Waddle is viewed not as a depth addition but as a player who could elevate the entire offense. Had Denver landed him, the lineup likely would have featured Courtland Sutton at the X receiver spot, Waddle in the slot, and Pat Bryant at the Z receiver position in 11 personnel — one running back and one tight end. Each of those receivers was selected within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft.
While Waddle will remain in Miami for the rest of the 2025 season, it remains to be seen whether the Broncos revisit trade discussions in the offseason. The Dolphins are projected to be more than $11 million over the salary cap in 2026, and moving Waddle would free up approximately $4.9 million in cap space that year.
