Last year, the Jacksonville Jaguars managed to beat the Denver Broncos in a highly contested matchup. They'll get to prove in 2026 that their win was no fluke.
The list of Jags' opponents next season is set. The Broncos are one of their away opponents, and the game just became substantially tougher after a blockbuster trade.
The Broncos could give the Jaguars trouble after the Jaylen Waddle trade
The Denver Broncos finished 14-3 last season, with one of their only losses coming against the Jags. They ultimately lost to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship but they were, without a doubt, one of the most formidable teams in the NFL. Nevertheless, they realized they needed to surround quarterback Bo Nix with better weapons, which is why they just traded for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle
Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reported that Denver is sending a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 third-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in return for Waddle and a fourth-round selection.
The sixth-overall pick in the 2021 draft, Waddle has started 78 games the past five seasons, reeling in 373 catches for 5,039 yards with 26 touchdowns. In Denver, he joins a crowded Denver offense that includes running back J.K. Dobbins, tight end Evan Engram, and wide receiver Courtland Sutton.
The Broncos had one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL last year. With Waddle now in the mix, they have an equally terrifying offense to pair it with.
The Jaylen Waddle trade gives the Jaguars a reminder they must upgrade the defense
The Jaguars also have a well-rounded offense with Trevor Lawrence leading the way. Although they lost running back Travis Etienne in free agency, they have the backfield tandem of Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez. Moreover, Jacksonville is stacked at receiver, with Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and two-way star Travis Hunter in the mix.
Couple that with the presence of the physical Brenton Strange, and the Jags have no shortage of firepower to keep up with the best offenses in the NFL. Having said that, their defense could use upgrades before the start of the regular season.
Re-signing cornerback Montaric Brown was huge, but the Jags need to add depth at the position. Similarly, they need to bolster their linebacker corps even though Ventrell Miller is in a position to replace Devin Lloyd. Their biggest needs after the first wave of free agency are, however, the pass rush and defensive tackle.
The team's brass probably will take care of both needs in the draft, and if they do, they'll have enough talent to contain the Denver offense even after the Jaylen Waddle trade. Will it be easy? Not at all, but as challenging as the Broncos game is poised to be, the Jaguars should be able to go toe-to-toe with them.