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DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 16: Pat Surtain II #2 of the Denver Bronco looks on before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on November 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos’ blockbuster move for Jaylen Waddle is already generating excitement inside the locker room. One of the team’s biggest stars made that clear on Tuesday.
Speaking on Games With Names with former wide receiver Julian Edelman, Pat Surtain II didn’t hold back when reacting to the Broncos landingWaddle.
“That’s my guy, man,” Surtain said. “A lot of epic competitive battles in practice. It’s gonna be exciting to watch.”
The connection between Waddle and Surtain goes back years. The two were teammates in college with the Alabama Crimson Tide, where iron sharpened iron long before both became NFL stars.
Zack Kelberman
Pat Surtain II on the #Broncos landing Jaylen Waddle:
“It’s gonna be exciting to watch. Just his speed, his playmaking ability. … Practice is gonna be fun. It’s gonna make everybody better for sure.”
(via @gameswithnames)
Now, that same dynamic is back in Denver.
Broncos Already Feeling Waddle’s Impact
Surtain emphasized that Waddle’s presence will elevate the entire roster, not just the offense.
“It’s gonna be exciting to watch,” he said. “Just his speed, his playmaking ability… practice is gonna be fun. It’s going to make everybody better for sure.”
That’s the kind of impact Denver was betting on when they made the blockbuster move.
Waddle doesn’t just add explosiveness on game day. He raises the level of competition every single week in practice. For a defense led by Surtain, that’s only going to sharpen things.
Alabama Connection Could Ease Broncos Transition
There’s also a level of familiarity that could help Waddle hit the ground running.
“Going back to our collegiate days where we used to battle it out and have those memories click again,” Surtain said.
That built-in chemistry matters. It removes the adjustment period most players face when joining a new team and allows both sides to pick up right where they left off.
Surtain summed up the bigger picture clearly when speaking about the Waddle trade:
“It makes the team better as a whole, what he’s able to bring and showcase.”
And that’s exactly what the Broncos are counting on.
Games with Names
“Bringing in a guy like that… it’s gonna be exciting” @PatSurtainll Reacts to the Jaylen Waddle trade for the @Broncos and talks @Alabama Football 🏈
New-Look Broncos Offense Starting to Take Shape
The bigger picture is coming into focus for Denver’s offense, and Waddle is a major piece of it.
The Broncos’ willingness to pay the price of a first-round pick for Waddle shows the level of confidence they have in him to be a featured piece of the offense.
Paired with Courtland Sutton, the Broncos now have a true 1A and 1B at wide receiver. Sutton brings size and physicality, while Waddle adds elite speed and separation ability. Together, they give Denver a much more balanced and dangerous passing attack.
Behind them, the depth only adds to the intrigue. Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin both offer vertical speed that can stretch defenses, while Pat Bryant brings a more reliable, steady presence underneath.
It’s a versatile receiving group. Each player brings something different, and together they have the ability to create matchup problems.
And if Surtain’s early reaction is any indication, this offense isn’t just improved on paper. It’s already raising the level of the entire team as it looks to get revenge for last season’s heartbreaking AFC Championship loss.