Malik Willis signed with the Miami Dolphins and is set to be the franchise's starter in 2026, but the quarterback has lost a key weapon after Jaylen Waddle was dealt to the Denver Broncos
13:48 ET, 17 Mar 2026
Jaylen Waddle has been traded to the Denver Broncos, ending his time with the Miami Dolphins after five seasons
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Jaylen Waddle has been traded to the Denver Broncos, ending his time with the Miami Dolphins after five seasons(Image: Getty Images)
NFL fans immediately thought of Malik Willis after the Miami Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
On Tuesday, the Dolphins continued their remarkable roster overhaul by sending Waddle and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos in exchange for a first-round pick — No. 30 overall in next month’s NFL Draft — as well as third- and fourth-round picks. Waddle is the latest big name to be moved on by the Dolphins.
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In one offseason, Miami has moved on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, receiver duo Tyreek Hill and Waddle, and defensive star Bradley Chubb. The franchise’s management has also been refreshed, with head coach Mike McDaniel replaced by Jeff Hafley, and Jon-Eric Sullivan installed as the new general manager in Miami.
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Waddle is the latest Miami asset to move on. The sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama, Waddle logged three consecutive seasons with 1,000-plus receiving yards to start his career — but he failed to top that mark in each of the past two seasons as the previously high-flying Dolphins offense stagnated.
Last season, Waddle tallied 910 yards with six touchdowns as the Dolphins went 7-10. He still represented a reliable downfield target, and the Miami receiving corps looks significantly less threatening without the 27-year-old.
For Willis, the situation is a nightmare. Earlier this offseason, when free agency opened, Willis signed a three-year deal worth $67.5 million to join the Dolphins, but he has since lost Waddle, while trade rumors also surround stud running back De’Von Achane.
Fans online immediately flocked to social media to highlight how the Waddle trade leaves Willis with limited weapons. One user posted: “Malik Willis just signed a 360 Deal with hell.”
“Malik Willis can’t like this,” added another, while one wrote: “Malik Willis is about to be throwing to the ghost of Mark Duper.”
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Malik Willis signed with the Dolphins in free agency after the quarterback moved on from Tua Tagovailoa
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Malik Willis signed with the Dolphins in free agency after the quarterback moved on from Tua Tagovailoa(Image: Getty Images)
“And just like that Malik Willis is cooked,” concluded one more fan.
The Dolphins' receiving corps now includes Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, Terrace Marshall Jr., Malik Washington, Tahj Washington, Theo Wease Jr., and A.J. Henning. Considering the unit previously had two Pro Bowl-level stars in Hill and Waddle, it’s a bleak outlook.
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Even after the trade, the Dolphins are still over the cap — despite the highest-paid player only making $11.3 million in 2026. Miami released Tagovailoa, Hill, and Chubb while Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded to the New York Jets.
Willis was expected to lean on Waddle as his top option. Given the inexperience in his receiving corps, the 26-year-old may speak to the front office about addressing the position with those extra 2026 draft picks.
As for the Broncos, the AFC West franchise clearly believes Waddle’s steady decline in production has been due to inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Bo Nix will be delighted; he enters the third season of his career with Courtland Sutton and Waddle to throw to, representing one of the strongest duos in the league.