INDIANAPOLIS — The Denver Broncos aren’t letting their defensive heartbeat walk away without a fight. Speaking Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, General Manager George Paton slammed the door on any speculation regarding cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian’s future. The message was blunt: McMillian is a “core player,” and the Broncos want him back in the building for 2026.
Locking Down the Slot
McMillian enters the 2026 offseason as a restricted free agent (RFA), a status that gives Denver significant leverage, but Paton’s comments suggest the team views him as far more than just a cheap labor asset. Since joining the squad as an undrafted free agent, McMillian has morphed into one of the league’s premier nickel corners. He didn’t just survive the 2025 season; he thrived in it, anchoring a secondary that propelled Denver to an AFC Championship appearance.
The numbers back up the “core” designation. In 2025, McMillian racked up 56 tackles, 4.0 sacks, and 2 interceptions, including a clutch pick-six. His versatility in the slot allowed defensive coordinator Vance Joseph to stay aggressive, often using McMillian as a heat-seeking missile on blitzes. His most iconic moment of the year came in the AFC Divisional Round, where he wrestled away a jump ball from Brandin Cooks to seal a victory over the Buffalo Bills.
Paton acknowledged the reality of the market, noting that other teams will likely “call about him.” However, as an RFA, the Broncos can place a tender on McMillian—likely at the second-round level, projected around $5.8 million—which grants Denver the right to match any outside offer sheet.
“He’s a proven guy, he’s come in and he’s battled through. They’ve drafted people over him and he’s never complained. He’s embraced the challenge and risen. He loves it there. It’s a great fit.”
— Deryk Gilmore, Agent for Ja’Quan McMillian
The Path Forward: Extension or Tender?
While the RFA tender is a safe short-term play, the “core player” label usually points toward a long-term extension. Denver’s defense became the identity of the team last season, especially after quarterback Bo Nix went down with an injury late in the playoff run. Maintaining that defensive continuity is paramount.
With Patrick Surtain II already locked in as the foundational piece on the outside, securing McMillian long-term would solidify the Broncos’ “No Fly Zone” reboot for years to come. Expect the front office to move quickly before the new league year officially begins on March 11. The Broncos have the cap space to be aggressive, and after coming within one game of the Super Bowl, Paton knows that keeping his best young talent isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity.
