Broncos' true interest in trade for A.J. Brown revealed after Jaylen Waddle deal

Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) looks on prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Denver Broncos made one of the NFL offseason's biggest blockbusters, acquiring Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins to give Bo Nix a new top wide receiver.

But before landing Waddle, the Broncos were rumored to have interest in Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro WR A.J. Brown. But did they actually have an interest in Brown?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter on The Pat McAfee Show, the Broncos never had interest in Brown despite rumors leading fans to expect the contrary.

Broncos' true interest in A.J. Brown revealed

"Denver, I never heard was involved in any talks for A.J. Brown at all," Schefter said. "I think they've been talking to the Dolphins here for a while. But over the last 10 days, it's amped up."

While the Broncos were eyeing Waddle to land a new top wide receiver for Nix, they didn't get involved in trade talks with the Eagles and Howie Roseman for Brown.

Denver surely kept tabs on Brown just in case, as any properly run team would, but they never actually made an effort to acquire Brown as they did for Waddle.

Their new wide receiver is a little over one year younger than Brown, though he's less accomplished and hasn't been nearly as good a WR.

More: Courtland Sutton trade idea lands AJ Brown from Eagles

Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler and three-time second-team All-Pro WR. Waddle hasn't earned any such accolade in his five-year career so far.

However, that doesn't mean he's exceptionally worse. Waddle is younger, healthier, and on a cheaper contract than Brown. Acquiring Waddle cost a first-rounder, third-rounder, and a fourth-round pick swap for the Broncos.

It's a great trade to acquire a true top-tier wide receiver opposite Courtland Sutton. With Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims also in the WR room, the Broncos' wide receivers for Nix are one of the best and deepest rooms in the league.

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