The Denver Broncos just landed superstar receiver Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster trade, yet Sporting News slapped them with a lackluster “C” grade for their offseason moves. Yeah, a “C” might sound rough, especially after snagging a talent like Waddle, but Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News explains it clear as day: these guys were *already* knocking on the Super Bowl’s door. There’s a ton of renewed optimism heading into 2026 for a team that was so close in 2025, falling in the AFC Divisional Round only after Bo Nix got hurt. They were practically favorites over the New England Patriots for the Championship game if Nix had stayed healthy! So, what does a “C” really mean for a team chasing a Super Bowl trip?
Waddle’s Arrival and the “Why” Behind the “C”
Let’s be real: adding Jaylen Waddle, a supremely talented wide receiver, to an already good offense is massive. Iyer acknowledged it straight up, saying, “The Broncos are counting on Waddle to help Courtland Sutton help Bo Nix…” This move instantly upgrades their offensive firepower. But the reason for the “C” is simple: Denver didn’t *need* a massive overhaul. As an AFC runner-up, their roster was already stacked. Sean Payton and George Paton didn’t have to break the bank or make a ton of splashy moves because the core was already there. It’s less about them being bad at offseason work and more about them having less ground to cover. The real key, Iyer notes, will be the “overall improvement from young players” to push them back to the championship game in that tough AFC field.
Keeping the Band Together, For Better or Worse
Beyond the Waddle trade, Denver’s offseason was pretty quiet. No big free agency signings. No first or second-round draft picks to speak of. They did lose John Franklin-Myers to the Tennessee Titans, which isn’t ideal for any defense looking to dominate. On the flip side, they re-signed J.K. Dobbins and Alex Singleton, keeping some continuity, and cut ties with Dre Greenlaw. Iyer pointed out that adding more help at edge rusher or defensive tackle, or upgrading at linebacker and/or tight end, would’ve made the offseason more “exciting.” True, those would’ve been nice additions for any Super Bowl contender. But the core message here is that the Broncos prioritized continuity and adding a key piece in Waddle, rather than reinventing the wheel.
So, what does this all mean for Denver as they roll into the 2026 season? Broncos fans shouldn’t be stressing that “C” grade. The team already had what it takes to make the Super Bowl, and now they’ve added a dynamic playmaker in Waddle to the mix offensively. The “C” is appropriate because, outside of Waddle, not much was added. The challenge now is to make sure that existing “band” plays their absolute best with their new star receiver. Keep your eyes on Bo Nix connecting with Jaylen Waddle. That’s what’s at stake: whether this relatively quiet offseason, punctuated by one huge trade, translates into a full-on Super Bowl run.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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