Broncos get reality check about Jaylen Waddle trade

The Denver Broncos were mostly quiet this offseason, but they made a trade that could push their offense to the next level.

They sent a first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins to get star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle next to Courtland Sutton.

Waddle is playing on a three-year, $84.5 million contract extension that he got in May 2024 with the now-rebuilding Dolphins.

Nevertheless, Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report doesn't think that formula will work. If anything, he believes the Broncos may have given up way too much in this deal. 

Jaylen Waddle needs to prove himself in Denver

“That’s a lot of lost draft capital for a guy who has rarely been relied on as a No. 1 receiver,” Gagnon wrote. “The five-year veteran has just one season with 1,100 yards or more than six touchdowns, but he’ll cost $27.1 million against the cap in 2027. This is a big change that may not have been necessary, and could potentially do more harm than good.”

Waddle clearly benefited from having Hill by his side. His presence as a perennial big-play threat drew too much defensive attention, and Waddle wasn't as efficient once Hill went down with an injury.

That said, Sutton is also a proven veteran who opposing defenses have to keep an eye on, so it's not like he'll have to do all the heavy lifting for Sean Payton's team.

Also, as much as Waddle might look overpaid at this point, the Green Bay Packers just gave Christian Watson a four-year, $110.5 million extension, so this deal might actually be a bargain.

All moves come with risks, and while the bar will be particularly high for Waddle after the Broncos gave up a first-round pick to get him, there's no reason to believe he won't live up to expectations.