Pro Football Rumors
Scheduled to hit the free agent market in 2027, Broncos nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian is in prime position to cash in sometime in the next year. He stands out as a clear extension candidate, but per Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports, the Broncos and McMillian’s reps had not begun active talks as of June. Considering head coach Sean Payton‘s affinity for McMillian, that seems likely to change.
On whether he wants McMillian in Denver for the long haul, Payton said in June (via Stevens): “Absolutely. The ball finds him. We keep talking about taking it away. We even forget Buffalo on the road, Monday night [in] ’23. The first series of the game, ball’s out and he’s causing a fumble. He’s just around it all. That’s not just good fortune—that’s the skill set.”
McMillian, who went undrafted out of East Carolina in 2022, has indeed emerged as a big-time playmaker in Denver. He only played one game as a rookie, but dating to 2023, he has recorded seven sacks, intercepted six passes and forced five fumbles in 50 contests. McMillian missed just one game in that three-season span.
The signature moment of McMillian’s first four years in the league came against Buffalo in the divisional round last January. With the teams tied at 30 in overtime, McMillian outfought Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks and turned what would have been a 43-yard catch into an interception. Had Cooks come down with it, the Bills would have been in position to set up for the game-winning field goal. Instead, the Broncos took possession, drove for the winning kick and clinched a spot in the AFC title game.
“Best interception I’ve ever seen,” Payton told McMillian afterward (via Seth Wickersham of ESPN). “I’m gonna be in a nursing home eating applesauce one day. I’m gonna forget your name, but I’m gonna remember that play.”
McMillian’s playoff pick was the most notable contribution in what was an excellent season from start to finish for the 5-foot-10, 183-pounder. While playing a full 17-game campaign and 742 defensive snaps (668 from the slot), he tallied 56 tackles, nine pass deflections, four sacks, two INTs and a pair of forced fumbles. As the nearest defender, he held opposing quarterbacks to a 59.5% completion rate and a 74.2 passer rating on 79 targets. The 26-year-old’s performance was truly elite, according to Pro Football Focus, which gave McMillian its fourth-highest grade among 112 qualifying corners.
Going forward, the Broncos have superstar No. 1 CB Patrick Surtain under contract through 2029. Like McMillian, though, starter Riley Moss is a year from free agency. It seems likely the Broncos will have to choose one or the other, Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post observes. Moss recently admitted he is not anticipating an extension, which suggests the Broncos will prioritize McMillian.
While Moss has started in all 31 appearances since 2024, Denver may be able to get away with letting him walk and plugging Jahdae Barron into his spot. The...
