Riley Moss and Treylon Burks
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Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss and Washington Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks.
There was very little enthusiasm surrounding the Washington Commanders heading into the 2026 offseason. That’s what going 5-12 and having a hot mess of a coaching staff and front office will do for you.
After the 1st week of free agency, it’s safe to say some things have changed.
While it’s hard to put too much faith in the Commanders yet, a look at their free-agent signings shows a team that’s very much serious about getting back to the playoffs.
The Commanders now have a unique opportunity to cement what looks like it could be an elite defense by trading for Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss, a full-time starter opposite 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II the last 2 seasons.
Getting Moss in exchange for the Commanders’ 2026 3rd round pick (No. 71 overall) — or at least making the offer to see how the Broncos respond — seems like a no-brainer.
That move would allow 3rd year cornerback Mike Sainristil to move back to the nickel back/slot cornerback spot, where he thrived as a rookie in 2024, and put Moss and free-agent signee Amik Robertson at the outside cornerback spots.
It would also create depth, with talented 2nd year cornerback Trey Amos as the top backup at both outside cornerback spots, if he can stay healthy.
Riley Moss Could Be Prime Trade Candidate
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine put Moss at the top of a list of NFL trade targets after the regular season. Despite how well Moss has played the last 2 years, the Broncos still drafted a cornerback in the 1st round (No. 19 overall) of the 2025 NFL draft with Jahdae Barron.
Denver seems determined to shoehorn Barron into the lineup in 2026 despite his struggles as a rookie. Moss just finished the 3rd season of the 4-year, $5.4 million rookie contract he signed after he was a 3rd round pick (No. 83 overall) in the 2023 NFL draft and could be in line for a big payday in 2027.
“Riley Moss has been good for the Broncos, but it’s unclear if they’ll want to sign him to a lucrative extension when they just drafted Jahdae Barron,” Ballentine wrote.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti put Moss at the top of the list of trade candidates for the Broncos this offseason following their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
“Moss started all 17 games in 2025, and has now put together back-to-back strong seasons, especially as it pertains to stopping the running game,” Ginnitti wrote. “However it stands to reason that 2025 1st-round pick Jahdae Barron will be ready to step into his role going forward, putting Moss — who is entering a contract year in 2026 — on the outside looking in.”
Huge Payday From NFL Incentives Program
Moss was one of the NFL’s top earners in the league’s annual performance-based incentives program announced Monday — the bonus system the league uses to pay players with low salaries who play high snap counts.
Moss scored a $1.136 million bonus after starting all 17 games in 2025. It ranked Moss No. 12 among all NFL players who received bonuses.
“Some exceptional players on that list — includingRiley Moss toward the top,” Broncos fan Ron Caphill wrote on X. “Hopefully,Broncos Country appreciates and understands this.”