The NFL free agency frenzy had skidded to a screeching halt before the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos pulled off a blockbuster trade on Tuesday.
The Dolphins sent Jaylen Waddle and their 2026 fourth-round pick to Denver for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick. The teams also agreed to swap 2026 fourth-round picks.
Even though Waddle is accomplished in the league and under contract, that is a steep price to pay for a WR who's averaged less than 900 receiving yards over the last three seasons.
It would behoove the Dallas Cowboys to see what they could get for George Pickens, who's a better player than Waddle, but the blockbuster could also set up Dallas' ideal draft scenario.
The Dolphins will now likely target a receiver with the No. 11 pick. That increases the odds of a stud defender falling to the Cowboys, who are tucked right behind Miami with the 12th pick.
Jaylen Waddle trade is great news for the Dallas Cowboys' draft hopes
Here's a look at the Dolphins' WR depth chart:
Player | Career receiving yards |
|---|---|
Jalen Tolbert | 1,093 |
Tutu Atwell | 1,535 |
Malik Washington | 540 |
Terrace Marshall | 808 |
Tahj Washington | 37 |
The Dolphins released Tyreek Hill earlier in the offseason, so former Cowboy Jalen Tolbert, who inked a one-year deal with Miami, now sits atop the 'Fins depth chart. Cowboys fans can attest that's a miserable place to be, as Tolbert often underwhelmed as the WR3 in Dallas.
While wide receiver is hardly Miami's only need, it bears mentioning that they signed quarterback Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract in free agency. That's a significant investment in a QB who's made just six starts in four years. It would be franchise malpractice not to take a WR early after trading Willis' No. 1 option days after signing him.
That would be fantastic news for the Cowboys, who would be sitting pretty if one of the top defenders fell outside of the top 10.
Miami defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. sticks out in that regard, as a big fuss was made of his arm length, or lack thereof, at the NFL Combine. It would be a dream come true if Bain fell to No. 12.
Even if Bain doesn’t fall, the Dolphins have long been viewed as a logical landing spot for LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane. That could leave Delane, a popular Cowboys pick in expert mock drafts, firmly in play for Dallas.
Regardless, Cowboys fans should be rooting for as many offensive players to come off the board early as possible. The Waddle trade puts Miami alongside the Titans, Giants, Browns, Commanders, and Saints as top-10 teams with a clear incentive to target offense.
The Cowboys' ideal draft setup is now within reach.