The Denver Broncos' secondary is one of the best in the NFL, and unfortunately, some of the better players may suffer not only because of the depth on the team, but opponent personnel groups.
One of those players in this situation is 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron. After having 35 tackles and one interception in his rookie campaign, Barron only had four snaps in Week 1, and two snaps in Week 2. Broncos coach Sean Payton addressed Barron's snap disparity after practice last Wednesday.
"Well, some of it is the packages you’re in," Payton said. "Certainly he’s starting in dime. So a lot of it depends on the defensive game plan and the opponent, what they’re doing. This is a group that the last couple of weeks, they’re in a lot of heavy personnel.
So each week, that can vary.”
Barron is also in one of the deepest corner rooms in the NFL, with Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian and Pat Surtain ahead of him on the depth chart. In 2025, Barron thrived by covering tight ends like Travis Kelce, but the Broncos have faced two-tight-end sets by both the Jaguars and Chiefs, a grouping not conducive to having Barron in the game. Payton said the Broncos' defensive staff is trying hard to get Barron into the game. He can be an electric player, as evidenced by his 95-yard pick-six in the preseason.
.@Officia1dae to the 🏡!
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 15, 2026
📺: 9NEWS pic.twitter.com/2r6HDk2HDZ
“I think first is game planning the heavy, and understanding what teams do from it because it’s different, then defending it," Payton said. "So whether that involves him or other players, a lot of it is game plan.”
Denver defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also indicated last week that Barron is "ready to play."
Vance Joseph said the Broncos didn’t get to Jahdae Barron’s package last week, hence only two snaps for him.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevens) September 24, 2026
But added, “He is ready to go” pic.twitter.com/rlV3zj17MP
Barron is in a unique situation: although he is not playing right now, depending on how the 2027 offseason begins, Barron could find himself on the front lines if deals cannot get completed with Moss or McMillian. All he has to do right now is stay ready to get his shot.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Sean Payton comments on Jahdae Barron’s limited playing time
