Broncos’ McMillian could become the NFL’s highest-paid slot cornerback; here’s why he deserves it

On a Denver Broncos defense where coordinator Vance Joseph’s priority this offseason is in focusing on improving the unit’s takeaway proclivity after finishing tied for 26th and ahead of just three teams in forcing turnovers last year, nickel cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian would seem to be of premium value.

Consider this: In the last three years, McMillian is one of just eight players — and only two cornerbacks — with at least five interceptions and five forced fumbles over the last three seasons.

Then you throw in McMillian’s seven sacks in that span, and he hits exclusive company, joined by just two other players with at least five sacks and the afore-mentioned five sacks and forced fumbles. They’re both safeties: Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. and Baltimore’s Kyle Hamilton.

And then there’s McMillian penchant for soaring to the occasion in clutch moments. In last January’s divisional round, his clutch theft of a deep Josh Allen pass intended for Brandin Cooks turned overtime 180 degrees, going from a potential Buffalo game-winning field goal into a Wil Lutz walk-off kick that sealed the Broncos’ first postseason win in nearly a decade.

Playing on a restricted free-agent tender of $5,767 million, the Broncos are getting a bargain.

But Broncos coach Sean Payton doesn’t think McMillian is thinking much about heading into a contract year and facing the prospect of unrestricted free agency next March.

“I think he’s so focused in preparing to play and play well. I’m sure he’ll compartmentalize that, and it will take care of itself very well,” Payton said.

WHAT COULD A BRONCOS CONTRACT WITH McMILLIAN LOOK LIKE

Consider that last year, the Chicago Bears re-signed Kyler Gordon to a three-year, $40-million deal — a $13.333 million average per-year figure — with $21.256 million in full guarantees. Gordon missed 14 games last year due to injuries, although he did return to handle his role in the postsason, finishing with a sack and two passes defensed in two games.

In the final two seasons before Gordon got that deal, he forced a fumble, intercepted two passes, post 1.5 sacks and recovered three fumbles over 28 regular-season games. Per Sport Radar, Gordon allowed a 93.9 passer rating and a 103.3 passer rating when targeted in those two campaigns — 2023 and 2024 — respectively.

Now examine McMillian. Last season alone he forced two fumbles and intercepted two passes — then added the divisional-round theft in the Broncos’ win over Buffalo. He posted four sacks and allowed a 74.2 passer rating when targeted. Opposing quarterbacks have a 84.6 rating when targeting him, and McMillian has improved with each full season of his career in that department — going from 96.8 in 2023 to 85.7 in 2024 to last year’s figure.

But there’s one other aspect to consider: The two other players in McMillian’s company in forced fumbles, sacks and interceptions since 2023 are both safeties, and each rank among the four highest-paid player at their position in average per-year contract value — and they’re 1-2 at safety in fully-guaranteed money, with Hamilton at just over $48 million and Winfield at $45 million.

McMillian is elite. It’s just that slot cornerbacks don’t usually get paid that way. It might be advisable to make an exception for McMillian — of whom Payton says he “absolutely” wants around for the long term.

“He has all the things you’re looking for,” Payton said earlier this month. “Like when I say grit, chip on his shoulder. The ball finds him. We keep talking about taking it away. We even forget Buffalo on the road, Monday night [in] ’23. The first series of the game, ball’s out and he’s causing a fumble.

?He’s just around it all. That’s not just good fortune — that’s the skill set.”

And it’s difficult to find. The Broncos have depth at cornerback with the additions — and development — of Jahdae Barron and Kris Abrams-Draine since 2024. But McMillian has proven something else: He’s special.

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