The Broncos have spent the last few seasons building a defense that can carry real weight, with Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto front and center. It’s the kind of unit that can keep Denver in the Super Bowl conversation. But even good things come with a price tag, and the next contract squeeze could land on Ja'Quan McMillan.
ESPN’s Seth Walder is predicting that McMillan will set a new market at nickel cornerback in 2027, whether that ends up being with Denver or somewhere else. If that number climbs well past the $30 million benchmark established in 2024, it could create a tough roster decision for the Broncos.
"Ja'Quan McMillan will become the highest-paid nickelback in 2027 -- with Denver or another team," Walder predicts.
That kind of payday wouldn’t come out of nowhere. McMillan has quietly built a strong case as one of the league’s more underrated defensive backs. The undrafted free agent out of East Carolina has logged three straight seasons with two interceptions from 2023 through 2025, and he added a pick-six in back-to-back years.
His 2025 season showed the full range of what he brings. McMillan finished with nine pass breakups and a passer rating allowed of 74.2, but he also chipped in 4.0 sacks, 56 tackles, two forced fumbles, five tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits.
That production is exactly why teams around the league would line up for him at the nickel spot. And with the position earning more respect, McMillan could be in position to cash in.
The current nickelback record belongs to Kenny Moore, who signed for $30 million over three years with the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. Walder’s prediction points to McMillan topping that number, and if he does, Denver may have a difficult choice on its hands.
The Broncos could try to work out a long-term extension before he gets there, but a record-setting deal may be hard to fit. Still, for a player who has been this effective, paying up would hardly be a shocking outcome.
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