Jaylen Waddle Puts Team First in Introduction to Denver

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has made it clear that he’s all about the team.

The Broncos acquired Waddle in a trade with the Miami Dolphins. The speedy Waddle gives an immediate upgrade and veteran presence to the Broncos’ young receiving corps.

At his introductory press conference on Wednesday, Waddle made it clear that he’s not out to take anyone’s job, and he plans to elevate the room and the entire offense in pursuit of a championship.

“I think I’m just bringing another playmaker to the team,” he said. “Someone that can help out and try to make plays to the best of my ability.”

Waddle made his fair share of plays in his time with Miami. He was drafted by the Dolphins out of Alabama with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Reuniting with his college quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, Waddle caught 104 passes for 1,015 yards and 6 touchdowns. His sophomore campaign was a breakout year: He had 75 catches for 1,356 yards and led the league in yards per reception with 18.1; he added 8 receiving scores. He had a third consecutive thousand-yard season: 72 catches for 1,014 yards and 4 TDs.

Waddle signed a three-year extension with the Dolphins in 2024. But his statistics took a tumble that season. He caught just 58 passes for 744 yards and 2 scores. Last season, he caught 64 passes for 910 yards and 6 TDs.

Waddle told reporters that he is not trying to recapture the magic of his first three seasons but to get a fresh start.

“It’s definitely new beginnings,” he said. “I don’t look at it [from the] standpoint of getting back to where I was. I just look at it as a new opportunity to go out there with a new team in a great place and play along with great talent and try to help out as best I can.”

The sixth-year pro brings a steadying presence, 4.3 speed, and a reliable pair of hands to a receiving corps that is young but ranked second-worst in the NFL in drops with 43. Courtland Sutton, in his ninth season, is the elder statesman of the group. Third-year pro Troy Franklin was college teammates with quarterback Bo Nix. Fourth-year pro Marvin Mims is an All-Pro and Pro Bowl-caliber return specialist but has had a limited role on offense. Pat Bryant emerged late in his rookie season but missed time with concussions. Veteran Lil’Jordan Humphrey has been with head coach Sean Payton since his time with the New Orleans Saints in 2019. Journeyman Michael Bandy rounds out the depth chart.

But Waddle said he is not coming in to take the No. 1 receiver slot.

“I think everyone’s just here to make plays and try to win, and that’s ultimately the goal for the team and for the organization,” he said.

Waddle appears to be less focused on his personal goals. Instead, he wants to learn from his new teammates and for them to learn from him.

“I wouldn’t say nothing personal,” he said. “I would say for the team, just take it week by week, and try to go out there and play a good brand of football and try to stack some wins together.”

As he reunited with an Alabama teammate in Miami, he will reunite with another in Denver, albeit on the other side of the ball. Waddle and cornerback Patrick Surtain are good friends and have wanted to play together since they were drafted.

“It was special,” Waddle said of talking to Surtain after he got news of the trade. “He was one of the first calls that I made. We talked about this early in our career. We wanted to get together and play with each other. So, just seeing it happen, it’s special.”

Waddle said his humility comes from his parents, who raised him not to get too high or low emotionally.

On the field, he got his versatility from pure experience. Playing multiple positions helped Waddle learn his previous offenses inside and out, which he can bring to his new offense.

“It’s exciting, just playing with great players,” he added. “Everyone’s been talking about how great and close the team is, so I’m excited to be around the guys, get to know them, and they get to know me, and go from there.”