Jaylen Waddle: Everything you need to know

Waddle agreed to terms Tuesday on a restructured contract with the Broncos that converts $15.4 million of his 2026 option bonus into a signing bonus, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Waddle's restructure opens up cap space for Denver, providing more flexibility for the team to maneuver in free agency and head of April's draft. The Broncos acquired Waddle's services in a trade with Miami on March 17, sending away the No. 30 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, in addition to a third-round pick and a swap of fourth-round selections. The 27-year-old wideout's explosiveness and athleticism make it easy to project an effective 1-2 punch alongside Courtland Sutton, whose 6-foot-4, 216-pound frame brings a more physical style of play. He and Sutton project as the clear top targets for Bo Nix in 2026, and head coach Sean Payton has praised Waddle's "grit" and "high, high [competitiveness]," as Andrew Mason of 104.3 The Fan reports.

The Broncos are trading the No. 30 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft as well as third- and fourth-round picks in exchange for Waddle (ribs) and a fourth-round pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Waddle has a chance to become the new No. 1 wide receiver for Bo Nix, joining a position group that includes Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin (hamstring), Pat Bryant (hamstring) and Marvin Mims. A 2021 first-round pick, Waddle boasts an ideal skill set for head coach Sean Payton's offensive scheme and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons to begin his NFL career. In his two most recent seasons, Waddle has only produced 58-744-2 and 64-910-6 lines, but injuries and quarterback issues help explain his struggles. Waddle's fantasy stock gets a considerable boost for 2026, and there have been no signs that the rib injury that held him out for Miami's Week 18 finale will impede his offseason activities.

Waddle (ribs) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots. Waddle had been listed as questionable for the season finale after he managed just two limited practices this week while tending to the injury to his ribs, and with little at stake in Sunday's contest, the Dolphins will err on the side of caution and hold the receiver out. He'll conclude his fifth NFL season with a 64-910-6 receiving line on 100 targets to go along with 28 rushing yards over 16 games. Miami will have Malik Washington, Cedrick Wilson, Theo Wease, Tahj Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as its available options at receiver for Week 18.