The NFL offseason is always full of surprises. Earlier Tuesday, the Miami Dolphins reportedly traded wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in a surprise move for a 2026 first-round pick and third- and fourth-round picks.
The move comes after the Dolphins parted ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (who signed with the Falcons) and signed quarterback Malik Willis in free agency. After the 2025 season, Miami fired head coach Mike McDaniel, brought in former Packers linebacker Jeff Hafley, and hired former Green Bay executive Jon-Eric Sullivan as general manager. Waddle’s move is just the latest in a series of trades the Dolphins have made in a busy offseason.
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With Waddle out of town, it will have a huge fantasy football ripple effect on players on both teams. Let’s analyze its meaning.
Fantasy’s impact on Dolphins, Willis, Archaon and more
The Dolphins needed to save some money after cutting Tagovailoa, and Waddle’s move does just that. It’s clear the team will move in a more run-focused direction under Willis, who showed off his rushing ability in small samples the past two seasons starting for the Packers while Jordan Love was injured. In those starts, Willis attempted no more than 21 passes in a game. In that same span, he rushed for 42 yards, 261 yards and three touchdowns.
Waddle leaving town doesn’t really impact Willis’ fantasy stock, as a lot of that comes from his rapid rise. A lack of passing ability could impact RB De’Von Achane, a top-five back in the 2025 semi-PPR format. Achane should still get plenty of touches, but defenses may have an easier time scheming against Miami.
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Miami should add a wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft as the team has another first-round pick to work with. The Dolphins now have the 11th and 30th picks. If there is any player currently under contract who can be improved by the Waddle action, it is WR Malik Washington, who completed 46 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns in his second season in the NFL.
Fantasy impact on Broncos, Sutton, Knicks and more
Denver has a lot of needs that need to be met in this offense right now. Waddle joins a lineup that includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims Jr., as well as TE Evan Engram. The Broncos also recalled RB JK Dobbins in 2026 to pair with RJ Harvey again. We also saw QB Bo Nix take a step back as a passer in year two.
But Waddle is a talented receiver, and we’ve seen him thrive in the Dolphins’ offense despite playing alongside Tyreek Hill. So Sean Payton should be able to provide a solid offensive ecosystem that can support multiple pass catchers. In Denver’s passing game, Waddle should be a solid 1A option at 1B for Sutton.
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This is a tough move for a dynasty head coach with Franklin and/or Bryant on the roster. In 2025, Franklin ranked second on the Broncos in targets (104), receptions (65), yards (709) and touchdowns (6) behind Sutton. He should still be the third receiver opposite Waddle, with Sutton in the slot. Barring an injury, it’s hard to see Kobe doing a ton of work.
final thoughts
The Dolphins’ passing game could be pretty lackluster in 2026. Someone has to catch the pass, but it will likely still be Achane leading the way, especially without Waddle. No matter who the Dolphins decide to draft, Washington will be an interesting sleeper.
As for the Broncos, both Sutton and Waddle should be around and become solid WR2 players, with upside as a WR1 each week, depending on the game. The Knicks also got an upgrade, with another reliable target. Maybe that means Harvey doesn’t get as much work in the passing game. Franklin and Bryant were hit and hard to justify in August’s fantasy draft.
