The Denver Broncos put the NFL on notice by trading for Miami Dolphins star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The price was steep, but it’s the kind of aggressive move teams make when they believe their Super Bowl window is wide open with a young, ascending quarterback and an elite defense.
On top of giving the Dallas Cowboys the potential framework for a George Pickens trade, the Waddle blockbuster could have a seismic impact on next month's NFL Draft.
Beyond potentially pushing a stud defender to Dallas at No. 12 overall if Miami drafts a receiver with the 11th pick, the Cowboys may also now have an ideal trade partner.
If their board is wiped out, they should call the New York Jets about trading down to No. 16 overall. The Jets are widely expected to target a wide receiver with that pick, but the rival Dolphins could now complicate those plans. If New York wants to shoot up four picks to ensure they get a stud WR, Dallas is just a phone call away.
The Dallas Cowboys should circle the Jets as a potential NFL Draft trade partner
Jets expert Justin Fried of The Jet Press voiced concern about the Waddle trade upending New York's draft strategy.
"This year's wide receiver class features three prominent names that figure to be on the Jets' radar: Ohio State's Carnell Tate, USC's Makai Lemon, and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson. The Jets are likely hoping that one of those players falls to them at No. 16 overall.
Unfortunately, the Dolphins now feel like a prime landing spot for one of those receivers five picks earlier. Miami's receiving corps following the Waddle trade is headlined by the likes of Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, and Malik Washington. They desperately need new high-end talent in that room."
The Jets have 10 draft picks this year, including four in the first two rounds and six in the top 140. They have more than enough capital to trade up, while the Cowboys need as many picks as they can get, even after dealing Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick.
In a perfect world, Dallas would stand pat at No. 12 and take the best defender available. Trading back from No. 20 is the more likely outcome.
But what if Arvell Reese, David Bailey, Rueben Bain, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Mansoor Delane are all gone? Should the Cowboys really reach just to fill a need? Dillon Thieneman would be a fun pick, but what if he’s still there at No. 16 and Dallas can add a Day 2 pick in the process?
At that point, they could take the highest player on their board at No. 20, then address their remaining needs -- whether it be linebacker, edge, or cornerback -- with their two Day 2 picks. That's a pretty ideal outcome.
It won't be easy, but it is attainable. And the Jets feel like an easy team to help facilitate it.