The Denver Broncos entered the offseason with a Super Bowl-caliber roster after coming up just short of the big game last season.

But with other contenders across the league improving their rosters this offseason, it meant the Broncos couldn’t run back the exact same team from a year ago.

Denver, however, was patient in its approach, opting to stay out of bidding wars in the early days of NFL free agency before swinging a trade this week for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

The Broncos sent a first-round (30th overall), third-round (94th), and fourth-round (130th) draft pick to the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday in exchange for Waddle and a fourth-round (111th) draft pick.

Waddle, a former Alabama Crimson Tide standout, is scheduled to take his physical in Denver on Wednesday. The deal can become official after the physical.

Broncos climb NFL power rankings after trading for Jaylen Waddle

CBS Sports released their latest NFL power rankings following the Waddle trade and the Broncos moved up one spot from No. 5 to No. 4.

“They didn’t get active in free agency, instead focusing on the draft and re-signing their own,” wrote CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco of the Broncos. “But the move to land receiver Jaylen Waddle for picks, including their first-rounder this year, says now is the time.”

There’s no doubt that Denver is in win-now mode — the Broncos were a fourth quarter blizzard and Bo Nix ankle injury away from the Super Bowl last season. Bringing in Waddle, a player who fits well in Sean Payton’s offense, should help take the Broncos to another level in 2026.

Power rankings in March don’t mean much, but it’s at least an indication that Denver is expected to be a top Super Bowl contender this upcoming season.

Denver Broncos News

Denver Broncos fans woke up feeling nervous on Wednesday and it’s all because of Maxx Crosby

Wednesday is an important day for the Denver Broncos.

Zach Ragan