What happened: Denver acquired Jaylen Waddle and a fourth-round selection in March for first-, third- and fourth-round picks. Steve Smith Sr. and James Palmer now rate the Broncos' receiving group as the AFC West's best.
Why it matters: Denver's passing offense ranked 11th in the NFL in 2025, making efficiency the next test after a high-volume season. The cost of the trade raises expectations for Bo Nix's third year.
By the numbers: Nix completed 388 passes at a 63.4% rate for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2025. Waddle caught 64 passes for 910 yards, averaging 14.2 yards per reception.
What to watch: Watch how quickly Nix and Waddle establish their timing during the preseason and how Denver distributes targets when its starters play.