​Cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian joined the Denver Broncos in 2022 as an undrafted free agent and quickly left a mark on the coaching staff. Although he didn’t crack the Broncos’ 53-man roster out of training camp, he earned a spot on the practice squad and remained there through the regular season finale, when he was promoted to the active roster and even started.
In 2023, during Sean Payton’s first year with the Broncos, McMillian made the team as a depth corner who hadn’t yet earned a starting role. Everything changed after the infamous 70-point eruption by the Miami Dolphins, when McMillian was inserted into the starting lineup and never looked back. Since then, he has evolved into one of the league’s more reliable slot corners and has delivered several high-impact plays in that span. He has come away with multiple pick-sixes, clutch game-winning plays, and a few interceptions of Patrick Mahomes. He even added one of the most memorable plays in Denver Broncos postseason history: in an overtime showdown against the Buffalo Bills, McMillian snatched a game-saving and game-winning interception to push Denver to the AFC Championship Game. Sorry, Bills Mafia—that was an interception to remember.
As 2026 approaches, McMillian heads into the season with an eye on a Super Bowl and a sizable payday, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year. He has been a tremendous bargain for the Broncos, but the time to cash in is near, and Denver will face a tough decision: keep him or let him walk. Along with McMillian, fellow starting cornerback Riley Moss will also be a free agent in 2027, presenting the Broncos with tricky choices. Ja’Quan McMillian, a 5-foot-10, 183-pound corner, is entering his fourth NFL season at age 26. In 2025, he posted 56 tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, 4 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 defensive touchdown.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, McMillian is projected to be the Broncos’ starting slot corner and a pivotal component of one of the league’s top defenses. With Pat Surtain II, and likely Riley Moss as the other starting corners, the Broncos will rely on McMillian to generate additional big plays and help guide the team back to the Super Bowl. His role is secure, but his future with Denver is not. As previously noted, he will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, alongside Moss, leaving the Broncos to decide which of the two they will re-sign. The team also has Jahdae Barron, the 2025 first-round pick, waiting in the wings as a potential replacement, making the futures of all three players a topic of ongoing discussion.
During a recent press conference, Head Coach Sean Payton was asked about McMillian’s long-term prospects with the Broncos. Payton offered high praise, saying, “Absolutely!” and adding that McMillian has “all the things you look for” in a cornerstone player. He emphasized that McMillian possesses the traits, work ethic, and playmaking ability that could make him a valuable long-term piece for the defense.