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According to multiple reports, including ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Denver Broncos have placed a second-round tender worth $5.8 million dollars on cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. Teams can still offer a contract to McMillian in free agency, but the Broncos would either have to match the contract or receive a second round pick in return for him.
McMillian is a former undrafted free agent who has turned himself into one of the better slot cornerbacks in the entire NFL. His standout play thus far throughout his career was the overtime interception of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Broncos would go on to kick the game-winning field goal on the following drive.
That’s not the only big play of McMillian’s career. He had a pick-six vs. the Chargers in the regular season finale, had intercepted Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes multiple times, and has just been a very solid player on the Broncos top ranked defense.
He rejoins a loaded Denver Broncos secondary that included 2024 Defensive Player of the Year in Pat Surtain II, cornerback Riley Moss, 2025 first-round pick Jahdae Barron, and reserve corner Kris Abrams-Draine, who has played well when called on. You can never have enough cornerbacks in the NFL, and right now, the Broncos have a loaded group.
As I mentioned, teams can still talk and offer a contract to McMillian in free agency, but would have to give up a second-round pick if the Broncos do not match the deal. This scenario usually does not play out, but it will be something to monitor as we progress through free agency.
At the end of the day, this is a much-deserved pay raise for McMillian, who has been playing on an undrafted free agent contract. He has far exceeded that value with his play and, frankly, still deserves more. The next question is, will the Broncos sign him to a contract extension? Will another team give up a second-round pick for him? Only time will tell.