Playing cornerback in the National Football League is extremely difficult. It’s an even tougher battle when you’re lined up opposite of an All-Pro caliber player like Patrick Surtain II. For the past two seasons, Riley Moss has been tasked with that challenge. And by most accounts, the former Iowa standout has performed admirably given the immense number of targets he receives on a game-to-game basis.
A third-round draft pick by the franchise in the 2023 NFL Draft, Moss spent most of his rookie campaign
learning the ropes in a reserve role. The last two years, he has been a full-time starter for them across from Surtain. In that timeframe, he has started 31 games and played over 1,900 defensive snaps for the squad.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Moss will be a key player for the Broncos once again in 2026. Though his future with the franchise isn’t certain. Let’s discuss what to expect from the former Hawkeyes standout in his fourth year in the Mile High City.
Player Profile
Age: 26 | Experience: Fourth Year | College: Iowa | Height: 6’0” | Weight: 193 pounds
2025 Statistics: 17 games played, 17 starts. 80 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 19 passes defended.
Riley Moss’s 2026 outlook with the Broncos
I expect the Broncos’ cornerback rotation to stay the same for the 2026 season. Look for Moss to be the starter across from Surtain with Ja’Quan McMillian getting the nod at nickel. Without question, it’s the best trio of cornerbacks in the NFL. There is absolutely no reason to change that up.
So how well did Moss perform last season? According to SIS DataHub, Moss was targeted 103 times in ’25 and only allowed 52 receptions. That 51-percent completion percentage allowed was one of the best in the NFL. On those 52 receptions, he allowed 720 yards and was credited with giving up four touchdowns. He also had a league high 19 passes defended last year.
One area of improvement for Moss would be penalties. Since being drafted, opposing teams have accepted 17 penalties against the fourth-year pro. Too many of them have been pass interference calls on third-and-long plays that have extended drives for the opposition. That’s something that definitetly needs to be fixed.
Additionally, I’d also like to see a few more interceptions or turnovers. He has had just one interception the past two years. Given the volume of targets thrown in his direction, it would be nice to see a few of those deflections turn into game-changing plays that give the ball back to Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense.
Final Thoughts
Over the past two seasons, Moss has played admirably for the Broncos. While many fans have been concerned with his penchant for penalties, the former Hawkeye standout has made a lot of big plays. He has certainly been worth his draft slot, though there is certainly has room for improvement.
Moss will be the starter on the boundary opposite of Surtain for the ‘26 campaign. However, his future with the franchise is uncertain. Both he and McMillian are eligible for contract extensions. Given the Broncos’ cap situation, it’s unlikely that Denver will be able to retain both.
A month ago, I asked who you would prefer the Broncos extend. Moss topped the vote with 56-percent. If he doesn’t get an extension in Denver, he will certainly earn a lucrative second contract on the free agent market. Regardless of how that situation plays out, Denver will need him to play at a high level this year if they hope to make their Super Bowl dreams come true.
