Over the past few weeks, there have been a few blockbuster trades going on in the NFL that could change the trajectory of the 2026 season. Although the Patriots haven't been one of those teams, there has been a lot of movement in the AFC, and now a significant move in their own division.
Along with the Bills, the AFC East is a two-team race, with the Dolphins and the Jets far behind. They're attempting to rebuild their rosters and put together the kind of coaching staff that will make them competitive again, and the Dolphins, in particular, appear to be tearing it down to rebuild.
They began by releasing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa last week, despite the massive dead cap hit they'll take this upcoming season. And now they have traded star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos for another first-round pick and more.
This is a dream scenario for a team like the Patriots, who have historically struggled against the Dolphins, especially in Miami, and now they won't have to face two top receivers in their own division again, now that Tyreek Hill and Waddle are both gone.
The Dolphins are in complete rebuild mode after trading away Jaylen Waddle
It wouldn't be an overstatement to suggest that Hill has been one of the best receivers in the league over the last ten years. So when the Chiefs traded him to the Dolphins, it was a nightmare scenario for the Patriots.
For the most part, the defense did an admirable job of shutting him down and keeping him from beating them, but it didn't always work. It only became more difficult to sneak out a win over Miami when they also added Waddle, who has become a big name in the league since he was drafted.
Now he will resume his career in Denver, which isn't exactly a great scenario for the Patriots, either, since they faced the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, and the Broncos will clearly be a contender for years to come, so they'll certainly meet again.
However, it is better that they won't have to line up against Waddle twice a year, and that is something to celebrate.