Report: Broncos ‘never showed interest’ in A.J. Brown, always wanted Waddle

The Denver Broncos made a blockbuster trade for a wide receiver on Tuesday.

It wasn’t for A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Despite speculation over recent weeks that the Broncos might look to land Brown from Philly, the franchise went in a different direction. Jaylen Waddle is headed to Denver in exchange for a couple of draft picks, while Brown’s future remains unclear with the Eagles.

And The Athletic’s Dianna Russini is adding some important context. She’s reporting that even with rumors floating, Broncos head coach Sean Payton and GM George Paton were never in on Brown.

It was always about Waddle.

Despite speculation, I’m told the Denver Broncos never showed interest in trading for A.J. Brown. They always had their eye on Jaylen Waddle.

Sean Payton and Bo Nix have a new receiving threat. https://t.co/oa8R9xVcun

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 17, 2026

It’s good insight, particularly after ESPN floated the idea that the Broncos might be looking to land Brown and the price could be Courtland Sutton.

Instead, Denver now pairs Sutton with arguably the best wide receiver he’s every played alongside in the NFL. Sutton overlapped with the late, great Demaryius Thomas early in his career, but DT’s playing days were winding down at that point.

In theory, the 27-year-old Waddle should still be in his prime. He also doesn’t come with some of the baggage that Brown might bring, hence why the Eagles could be looking to unload him in the first place.

This was definitely the “big” move of the offseason for the Broncos. And where Brown ultimately lands will be interesting, but Denver is buying Waddle stock and hoping he can help lead them to a Super Bowl next February.

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