Despite what many wanted, the Denver Broncos did not make any deals ahead of Tuesday’s deadline but they were interested in one big-name player, according to an insider.
The Broncos were named among the teams that reached out to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, per Jordan Schultz. Earlier reports linked Denver to the standout pass catcher, but the asking price seemed to be a first-round pick, which was too rich for George Paton’s blood.
The No. 2 wide out in Miami was the sixth overall pick out of Alabama in 2021. In five pro seasons, the 26-year-old has 350 catches for 4,715 yards and 24 touchdowns. His numbers haven’t been as good the past two seasons, as Miami has hit a rough patch with injuries. But his first three years in the league were all 1,000-yard campaigns.
The Broncos likely could have used another offensive weapon, especially out wide, where Courtland Sutton is the only proven commodity. Since Denver is tied for the best record in the league at 7-2, many folks wanted the team to go all in via sacrificing future draft picks. The Dolphins actually did the opposite with Denver a few years ago when they sent a first-round pick to Colorado for Bradley Chubb. The Broncos used that draft pick to send to the Saints, who selected Bryan Bresee. Though the Dolphins did just fire their GM so it’s unclear if Paton still has a relationship.
So Denver will be relying heavily on the freshly paid Sutton the rest of the season, who has been spectacular. They’ll hope free agent pickup Evan Engram can offer more at tight end as he’s regained health. And maybe one more of the young wideouts of Pat Bryant or Troy Franklin steps into a bigger role for Bo Nix, all joined by an improving run game. Those will be Payton’s tools as we hit the stretch run now that the deadline has come and gone.