Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian joined the Denver Broncos back in 2022 as an undrafted free agent and quickly made an impression on the coaching staff. While he didn’t make the Broncos’ 53-man roster, he did get signed to their practice squad, where he would stay until the regular season finale, when he was signed to the active roster and even got the start.
In 2023, in Sean Payton’s first year with the Broncos, McMillian made the team, but was a depth player who had not earned a shot to start just yet.
However, after the Broncos’ infamous 70-point loss to the Miami Dolphins, McMillian was inserted into the starting lineup and never looked back. Since then, McMillian has become one of the better slot corners in the game and has made some big plays during that span.
He has had multiple pick-6 touchdowns, a few game-winners, has picked off Patrick Mahomes a few times, and has one of the best plays in Denver Broncos postseason history. The Denver Broncos were in overtime vs. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, and McMillian would make a game-saving and eventual game-winning interception to send the Broncos to the AFC Championship Game. Sorry, Bills Mafia, that was an interception.
Now, McMillian enters 2026 with his eyes on a Super Bowl and a big payday since he’s slated to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He has been a big-time bargain for the Broncos, but the time for McMillian to cash in nears, and the Broncos have to decide if they are going to pay him or let him walk. Both he and fellow starting cornerback Riley Moss will be free agents in 2027, so the Broncos have some tough decisions to make.
Player Profile
Ja’Quan McMillian | Cornerback | Denver Broncos
- Height: 5-10
- Weight: 183 pounds
- Age: 26 years old
- Experience: 4th NFL season
- 2025 stats: 56 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 QB hits, 2 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown
Ja’Quan McMillian’s 2026 outlook with the Denver Broncos
This upcoming season, McMillian will be the Broncos’ starting slot corner and be a key member of their top-ranked defense. He will join Pat Surtain II and likely Riley Moss as the Broncos’ starting corners and will look to create a few more big plays and help get the Broncos back to the Super Bowl.
His role on the team is not in question. However, his future with the team is currently up in the air. As we know, he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, same as Riley Moss, and they will likely need to decide which of the two they will re-sign. They also have 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron ready and waiting to replace one of them as well. So, the future of all three players mentioned is up in the air right now.
A few weeks back, Head Coach Sean Payton was asked if McMillian is a player they would like to keep around long-term. He told reporters, “Absolutely!” and added that McMillian has “all the things you look for”.
“Absolutely. He has all the things you’re looking for. Like when I say grit, chip on his shoulder. 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.”
If you are in the camp that hopes McMillian gets re-signed or an extension, you’re loving this quote. History tells us that when Payton speaks fondly of a player to the media when they are in a contract year, they get a deal done. With that said, he likely would have said something similar about Riley Moss, so I am not sure how much you can read into this, but it is noteworthy.
At the end of the day, McMillian will go out, practice at a high level, play at a high level, and continue to be a key member of this top-ranked Denver Broncos defense. He has a much-deserved payday coming his way; the question will be: Will it be from the Denver Broncos, or someone else?
Final Thoughts
I am a big J-Mac fan and really hope the Broncos can find a way to keep him around long-term. Finding a slot corner isn’t easy, and McMillian is one of the best in the league, so you gotta find a way to get a deal done.
When it comes to deciding between McMillian and Moss, I am leaning McMillian. It is nothing against Moss, and I think he’s a very good player; I just think McMillian is way too valuable to let go. How Jahdae Barron looks during training camp and moving forward could make this decision easier one way or another, but right now, in July of 2026, that is how I am leaning. If there is a scenario where the Broncos can keep both, I am down for that too (They have to sign Bo, which complicates things).
In the short-term, the Broncos have a top slot corner returning to their secondary who has a knack for big plays. They will need him to play at a high-level and make a few more of these big plays this upcoming season as they look to have a Super Bowl run and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Mile High City.
