Earlier this week, the Miami Dolphins sent a shockwave around the AFC East. Continuing the major overhaul of their core, Miami agreed to a deal to send wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. After falling one win short of their ninth Super Bowl appearance, Denver adds a major weapon on offense to help quarterback Bo Nix. However, this leaves Denver in a bit of a conundrum. Per the trade agreement, Denver will send Miami three total draft picks in return for Waddle and a fourth-round pick. In total, Miami gained the 30th overall pick, the Broncos third round pick, and fourth round pick.
Make no mistake, the Broncos are a better team with Waddle. However, Denver can still use some help with depth in the front seven. After losing John Franklin-Myers to the Titans, getting another edge rusher would be smart. So why not another deal? The Broncos wide receiver room could get crowded with the addition of Waddle. If they need a trade partner, they have a familiar face in New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey. After spending the majority of his career in Denver, who better to assess what wide receiver could help the Jets next year?
Can the Waddle Trade Create an Opportunity to Help the Jets?
In January, the Denver Broncos capped off a great season, reaching the AFC Championship game before losing to the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, losing star quarterback Bo Nix put Denver behind the eight-ball by starting longtime backup Jarrett Stidham. To capitalize, they strengthened their wide receiver room with Jaylen Waddle. In order to account for the new Bronco, someone will lose out on targets. Especially to recoup some of the lost draft capital used to facilitate the trade. Now, there’s an opportunity to move one of their young wide receivers to gain more draft picks. If that’s the case, the Jets need to put in a call.
Trade is now official, physical has been passed: Dolphins have acquired a 2026 first-round pick (30th overall), a 2026 third-round pick (94th overall) and a 2026 fourth-round pick (130th overall) from the Broncos in exchange for WR Jaylen Waddle and a 2026 fourth-round pick…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2026
Darren Mougey’s Unique Opportunity to Help the Jets
If Denver is interested in trading a wide receiver, New York Jets general manager Darren Mougey will be one of the first calls they make. Before coming to New York, Darren Mougey spent the first 13 years of his front office career in Denver. Beginning in 2012, Mougey worked his way up from scouting intern all the way up to assistant general manager. In addition, Mougey served as an area scout for the Broncos in 2015 when Denver captured their third Super Bowl. Due to his experience in Denver, he’s a great candidate to ask for a trade.
In addition, it can help the Jets draft plans. Ideally, the Jets leave the first round with a premier defensive talent like Arvell Reese at second overall. Followed by using the 16th pick on a wide receiver. One of Carnell Tate, Jordyn Tyson, or Makai Lemon would be a massive addition to the offense. However, New York has competition ahead of it in the first round. The New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns could all be interested in wide receivers. While they can still leave the draft with a wide receiver with upside later in the draft, trading for a young receiver will also help.
Troy Franklin status
Dec 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (11) celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Which Broncos Wide Receiver Could New York target?
If the season started today, the three primary wide receivers in Denver would be Courtland Sutton, Jaylen Waddle, and Troy Franklin. However, towards the end of the season, Denver has involved All-Pro kick returner Marvin Mims more on offense. As well as last year’s third-round pick, Pat Bryant. While Courtland Sutton would be an ideal target due to Mougey’s history with him, the draft capital needed to make a trade might be too rich for New York. Due to his history with former Broncos special teams coordinator Chris Banjo, Mims would also be a great fit. Alas, Denver doesn’t seem keen on moving him.
Could Troy Franklin be a WR1? pic.twitter.com/frI3HJaoMB
— Wood🤙🏽 (@bruhonco) February 4, 2026
So, a player like Troy Franklin could be the target. A fourth-round pick in 2024, the 6’3 Franklin was a favorite target at Oregon for future Broncos teammate Bo Nix. Last year, Franklin had a career high 709 yards on 65 catches. Franklin was second on the team in targets behind Courtland Sutton with 104. The arrival of Waddle will significantly cut into Franklin’s targets. After recording six touchdowns, Franklin could be primed for a breakout with enough targets.
Troy Franklin’s fit in New York
If acquired, Franklin would instantly become the Jets number two wide receiver. With Franklin’s height, he’d be an ideal candidate to pair opposite Jets star Garrett Wilson. It’d also give New York another target under the age of 25 to compete with Adonai Mitchell. However, the best part is that even if New York acquires Franklin, it won’t interfere with New York’s hopes of drafting a receiver. If Franklin can be acquired for a day three pick, New York could target a player like KC Concepcion. The Texas A&M wideout had a career high of 919 yards while contributing nine touchdowns. A quartet of Wilson, Franklin, Mitchell, and Concepcion would be nice for new(or old?) quarterback Geno Smith this season.
Main Photo: [Jayne Kamin-Oncea] – Imagn Images