Broncos Place Second-Round Tender On Ja’Quan McMillian

It is unlikely a team would trade a second-rounder for McMillian, who is only a year away from unrestricted free agency. As such, Denver’s decision to issue McMillian a high-level tender should secure his place in its defense for at least another season. As the Broncos’ top slot corner, McMillian holds down a key spot alongside outside starters Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss.

McMillian’s stock has risen significantly since he joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2022. The former East Carolina Pirate played just one game as a rookie, but he has been on the field for 50 of 51 since then. McMillian has taken on a prominent role since 2023, having finished top three among Broncos cornerbacks in snap share for three years in a row.

As part of an elite defense last season, McMillian played 742 snaps (66.01%). Along with his two INTs, he notched 56 tackles, nine passes defensed, five TFL and a career-high four sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked his performance a superb fourth among 112 qualifying corners.

While McMillian excelled in the regular season, his most memorable play occurred in a divisional-round win over the Bills. With the teams in an overtime battle, McMillian wrestled away what would have been a 43-yard catch for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and turned it into a pick. Had Cooks come down with it, the Bills would have gone on to attempt a game-winning field goal during the ensuing moments. Instead, with McMillian’s help, the Broncos took possession and marched to a 33-30 victory.