When it comes to the new-look Denver Broncos in the 2026 NFL season, the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle will give the offense a new dimension, says retired Broncos safety Justin Simmons.
“Sean (Payton is) a proven winner as a head coach, and we see that with the quick turnaround that he had in Denver,” said Simmons in an interview with NFL analyst Kay Adams on FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams show. “He sees something in Waddle that not a lot of us see.”
Simmons went on to praise the blockbuster trade for Waddle by the Broncos‘ front office. “I loved the Waddle pick,” Simmons said. “I was hoping that sometime last year, in the middle of the season, they were gonna get him. I know that’s what all the rumors were going for. It was so awesome as a fan of the team to see that they got that big pickup because it’s going to make them so much better.”
You can see Simmons’ full thoughts on the Waddle acquisition below.
“One of [Sean Payton’s] big traits for recruiting players is their toughness… He sees something in Waddle that not a lot of us see” 👀
Justin Simmons on questions about Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle’s toughness@jsimms1119 | @heykayadamspic.twitter.com/qJ7ymDaacv
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 7, 2026
In 2026, Waddle comes into the year a virtual lock at the very least to be WR2 for quarterback Bo Nix. At his best, Waddle can elevate the players around him by giving them opportunities to win their own matchups and create mismatches across the board for his teammates.
Fans will get their first look at how Waddle will fit into the offense when the team gathers for OTAs at the beginning of June, and an even more extended look during training camp, which begins in late July.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Justin Simmons says Jaylen Waddle makes Broncos ‘so much better’