One notable offseason move was the acquisition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. The trade prompted immediate questions about how the addition would affect the role of emerging wideout Marvin Mims. Mims experienced a dip in receiving yardage in 2025, finishing with 181 fewer receiving yards than in 2024. With Waddle joining the fold, some pundits anticipated even less opportunity for Mims to shine.
In March, Mims acknowledged that the Waddle addition could impact his role, saying, “Yeah, a little bit. It’s interesting to see how I fit in the offense.” That candid assessment reflected the natural curiosity that comes with integrating a high-profile talent into an already talented receiving corps.
If anyone should feel unsettled by the Waddle trade, it would be Mims. Yet recent comments from the 2026 offseason suggest a more optimistic outlook for Denver’s passing game and its overall offensive outlook.
Marvin Mims has shared encouraging notes about the Broncos’ progress. At a recent football camp ahead of training camp, he discussed the state of the offense. He highlighted a concerted effort to install new concepts under offensive coordinator Davis Webb and noted that the team is farther ahead than it was at the same point last year—a development he described as “a huge thing to see.” Mims emphasized confidence in the offense and special teams, while noting that the defense would continue to be strong in its own right. He expressed excitement about the overall potential for the coming season, pointing to a diverse group of playmakers across all three phases.
Mims also described the addition of Waddle as “amazing,” underscoring the positive impact the veteran playmaker has brought to the locker room and on-field dynamics. The sentiment from Mims, if representative of the broader roster, signals that the offense’s early progress could translate into a more potent attack this fall.
Beyond individual optimism, the Broncos’ recent cadence in practice and camp signals a push toward a more cohesive and versatile offense. If Mims’s upbeat assessment is any indication, Denver’s unit could be well-positioned to maximize its talent pool, with Waddle providing a dynamic element alongside speed and versatility at other receiving positions.
From a broader standpoint, the Broncos finished last season with the NFL’s third-ranked scoring defense and a 14-3 regular-season record, while their scoring offense ranked 14th. The goal for 2026 is clear: elevate the offense into the top 10 in scoring. If the offense can reach that level while maintaining strong defense and special teams, Denver could contend for the AFC West title even in a conference featuring high-powered offenses.
The team’s optimism is not unfounded. A more advanced and integrated offensive system, combined with increased playmaking around a stable quarterback situation, could yield significant returns. The trade for Waddle, paired with Mims’s continued development and the integration of Webb’s offensive design, points to a Broncos squad that is entering the season with a clear plan and improved depth.
As training camp nears, all eyes will be on how quickly the Broncos’ offense can gel. Early signals from players like Mims suggest that the collective confidence is rising, and that the team believes it has the personnel and schemes to make a real leap in 2026. If the offense can translate this early progress into production on game days, Denver could headline a competitive race in the AFC, and the division could become more open than anticipated.
