Sean Payton isn’t leaving much room for doubt when it comes to Ja’Quan McMillian’s place in Denver.
The Broncos’ nickel corner is heading into a contract year, but Payton made it clear back in June during OTAs that he wants the 26-year-old in the fold long-term, even though no new deal has been worked out yet.
“Absolutely,” Payton said when asked if he wants McMillian in Denver long-term.
“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.”
McMillian has earned that kind of backing. Since pushing his way up the depth chart as an undrafted rookie in 2022, he’s become a key part of Denver’s secondary. Last season, he played in all 17 games and finished with 56 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two interceptions and four sacks.
He and third-year corner Riley Moss are both set to enter contract years in 2026, which naturally puts their futures under the microscope. But Payton doesn’t sound worried about McMillian’s situation spilling over into his play this season.
“He has all the things you’re looking for. Like when I say grit, chip on his shoulder," Payton continued.
"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.
He’s doing real well.”
That confidence matters because McMillian brings more than just steady coverage. He’s been a disruptive piece in the backfield too, with seven sacks and nine QB hits over the past three seasons. That kind of production makes him hard to take off the field.
Denver does have options behind him if needed. First-round pick Jahdae Barron played 30% of the defensive snaps last season, compared with McMillian’s 66%, but he has the size and skill set to handle the nickel spot if called upon.
Still, McMillian’s versatility gives the Broncos a player they’d clearly prefer to keep around. He can line up as a traditional corner, he can blitz, and he keeps showing up around the football. For Payton, that makes the answer simple.
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