The Denver Broncos boasted one of the NFL’s premier defenses in 2024, led by Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and three All-Pro selections, helping secure the team’s first playoff appearance since 2015.
While many anticipated the Broncos would bolster their offense in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft—perhaps with a running back, tight end, or wide receiver—head coach Sean Payton instead focused on defense, selecting Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick.
Following that selection, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox projected that the arrival of Barron might prompt Denver to part ways with cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, who started nine games in 2024.
“The Broncos tendered exclusive-rights free agent Ja’Quan McMillian this offseason but may still choose to move on,” Knox noted. “While McMillian has been a solid contributor, the investment in Barron could push him out of the slot corner role. Releasing McMillian would also free up just over $1 million in cap space.”
McMillian, who joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent from East Carolina in 2022, has appeared in 13 games as a starter over three seasons. Despite his impressive rise, concerns remain. In 2024, he allowed a career-high 64.4% completion rate in coverage, according to Pro Football Reference. Heavy.com’s Josh Buckhalter pointed out that McMillian, who played the sixth-most defensive snaps for Denver last season, could be on the trade or cut block after the Barron pick.
Initially a standout in college—earning two All-Conference USA honors and All-American recognition in 2021—McMillian went undrafted due to his undersized frame (5’9″, 183 lbs) and a modest 4.59-second 40-yard dash. After spending nearly all of 2022 on the practice squad, he emerged in 2023 with three starts and followed that up with a productive 2024 season: 81 tackles, 10 pass breakups, and two interceptions—including a pivotal pick-six against the Browns in Week 13.
Despite his steady production and playmaking instincts—praised by Payton as “contagious”—McMillian now faces an uphill battle to retain his roster spot heading into the 2025 season.
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