Denver Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian competed against first-round pick Jahdae Barron for the starting slot cornerback role last offseason, ultimately winning the battle in training camp and regaining his old spot. He enjoyed a strong fourth season, recording 56 tackles, five TFLs, four sacks, two interceptions, one pick-six, nine pass deflections, and two forced fumbles across 17 regular-season games. McMillian also posted two tackles, one TFL, and one pass deflection in the playoffs, along with the pivotal interception in overtime against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round.
Denver Broncos’ slot CB is a free agent
Denver Broncos, Ja'Quan McMillian
Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (not pictured) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Since Ja’Quan McMillian completed his third accrued season, which is earned when a player is on a team’s 53-man roster, injured reserve, or PUP list for at least six regular-season games, he is a restricted free agent, with three non-guaranteed tender options. The three tenders include the right-of-first refusal tender worth $3.547 million without receiving draft compensation, a second-round tender worth $5.811 million, and a first-round tender worth $8.107 million, in which the team would receive that corresponding pick if they decline to match the offer sheet. Lastly, the Broncos can either bypass the tender and sign McMillian or let him walk.
The Broncos make a major $5 million move on an underrated playmaker
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Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’quan McMillian (29) intercepts a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks (18) during overtime of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Broncos are placing a second-round restricted free-agent tender on Ja’Quan McMillian, worth approximately $5.811 million for the 2026 season. Teams could bypass the offer sheet and explore a trade instead, as was the case when the San Francisco 49ers traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. Either way, the defense is set to have McMillian, an underrated playmaker, at the helm for at least another season.
Broncos are placing the second-round tender ($5.8M) on CB Ja’Quan McMillian, per sources.
One of Denver’s top ball disrupters, McMillian had four sacks, two interceptions and nine pass deflections in ‘25 – including a memorable snatch from Brandin Cooks to seal a playoff win. pic.twitter.com/g0I2z9W3CW
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 27, 2026
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