The Denver Broncos have one in all, if not the most effective secondary within the Nationwide Soccer League. It’s loaded with top-tier starters and boasts high quality depth. Each key starter is slated to return for the 2026 season. Nevertheless, the longer term within the Broncos’ defensive backfield is way much less sure with a handful of gamers scheduled to hit free company after the tip of the 2026 season.
Two of these are cornerbacks Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian. Moss and McMillian have been an integral a part of Denver’s defensive efforts over the previous two seasons. In a great world, the Broncos would discover a solution to maintain each. Nevertheless, they’ve 2025 first-round decide Jahdae Barron ready within the wings and should work inside the restraints of the wage cap.
As of now, the Broncos presently have somewhat over $25 million in cap area. That’s after the post-June 1st enhance given from Dre Greenlaw. Although it doesn’t account for the $5 million increase given to shutdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Denver will definitely must roll over share of that into 2027 the place they’ve only a smidge over $2 million to play with. Have in mind, they must allocate an additional $5 million in ‘27 toward the cap if Surtain makes the Pro Bowl or earns All-Pro honors in ‘26—which seems quite likely.
With Bo Nix up for an extension at the beginning of the 2027 league year, the Broncos are going to have to make some tough decisions when it comes to retaining players. One of the biggest decisions, as mentioned above, will be regarding Moss and McMillian. The way I see it, only one will be a Bronco in ‘27.
Yesterday, I did a Feed post with a poll asking Broncos Country who they would prefer, but before I get into the results, let’s focus on each gamers and their achievements to this point with the Broncos. There may be definitely a powerful argument for every of them to be the cornerback the Broncos prioritize on maintaining.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: Riley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos reacts after breaking apart a go in opposition to the Buffalo Payments within the fourth quarter in the course of the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at Highmark Stadium on January 12, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photograph by Elsa/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
Profession Statistics: 45 video games performed, 31 begins. 2 interceptions, 27 passes defended, 1 compelled fumble, 1 fumble restoration. 172 tackles, 4 tackles for loss. Focused 222 instances with 136 receptions allowed, 1,620 yards given up, 8 touchdowns surrendered.
Enjoying reverse of the most effective cornerback within the NFL isn’t straightforward. Even so, Moss has carried out admirably given the challenges and immense of targets he faces on a weekly foundation. After a enjoying in a reserve function as a rookie in 2023, the previous Hawkeye standout has been a full-time starter on the boundary for the previous two seasons.
Opposing quarterbacks are solely finishing 53-percent of passes when focusing on Moss. That’s among the best charges within the league. Nevertheless, the fourth-year professional additionally will get his fair proportion of criticism from drawing plenty of go interference penalties and struggling to stick with shifty and velocity receivers on deep routes. However, the previous third-round decide has been an vital a part of Denver’s top-notch secondary since being drafted.
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 25: Ja’quan McMillian #29 of the Denver Broncos takes the sector previous to the AFC Championship Playoff recreation between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos at Empower Discipline At Mile Excessive on January 25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photograph by Kara Durrette/Getty Photographs) Getty Photographs
Profession Statistics: 51 video games performed, 16 begins. 2 interceptions, 27 passes defended, 1 compelled fumble, 1 fumble restoration. 172 tackles, 4 tackles for loss. Six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 24 passes defended, 5 compelled fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 7 sacks. 258 targets, 155 receptions allowed, 1,649 yards allowed, 12 touchdowns surrendered.
Undrafted out of East Carolina in 2022, Ja’Quan McMillian went from a follow squad participant as a rookie to one of many NFL’s premier nickel cornerbacks briefly order. Feisty with a knack for creating game-changing turnovers, McMillian has been probably the most underrated Broncos’ defenders over the previous a number of seasons.
In that timeframe, he has reeled in six interceptions (two for touchdowns), compelled 5 fumbles, and has two fumble recoveries. Not solely that, however he has made plenty of performs within the backfield registering 7 sacks and 16 tackles for loss. Head Coach Sean Payton was vocal all final 12 months about how he needed his protection to generate turnovers and one of many gamers to ship was McMillian. The easiest way to explain McMillian’s play—clutch.
The Choice and Ballot Outcomes
Cornerback is a premium place within the NFL and good gamers receives a commission some huge cash. I’ve a powerful feeling that each Moss and McMillian will command greater than $15 million a 12 months available on the market. Provided that and the wage cap state of affairs I outlined above, I imagine just one will stay a Bronco past the 2026 season.
Moss has confirmed is value as a dependable quantity two nook within the NFL and McMillian’s rise from an undrafted rookie free agent to a top-flight nickel nook has been a pleasure to look at. Every are deserving of an extension, however who does Broncos Nation really feel deserves it extra?
It was a detailed race, however the winner was Moss who got here away with 56-percent of the 159 votes forged. Will the Broncos’ entrance workplace really feel the identical approach? Solely time will inform. Due to everybody who voted and supplied their perception on the subject.
