Riley Moss, Denver Broncos
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Riley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos celebrates against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Riley Moss is a polarizing player, tasked with holding up against a steady barrage of targets while playing opposite 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, and fellow Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II.
Moss has more than delivered, but his outlook remains clouded by the Broncos’ decision-making.
Moss, though, is embracing all that comes along with his journey.
Riley Moss Sparks Flurry of Reactions With Strong Message
Riley Moss
GettyRiley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos reacts after the game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Moss has started 31 of his 45 games played with the Broncos, all in the past two seasons, after spending his rookie campaign as a reserve. He has faced the most targets in the NFL since the start of the 2024 season, per Stathead, with a 24-target lead on second place (Alontae Taylor).
He ranks 11th in completion percentage allowed among defenders with at least 150 targets. No others have more than 190 targets in that span.
“Built, not finished,” Moss captioned a series of images that he posted to Instagram on April 2.
Moss’ post drew a flurry of strong reactions in the comments from his teammates and Broncos past and present.
Broncos nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian posted “Moss da boss [fire emojis],” in the comments.
Teammate and tight end Lucas Krull called Moss “Him” with the raising hands emoji, while fellow current Broncos Jordan Turner, Nik Bonitto, Pat Bryant, and 2015 Super Bowl champion Aqib Talib all shared emojis in support.
Ex-Broncos CB Tremon Smith, now of the Houston Texans, called Moss a “stud.” Former Iowa Hawkeyes teammate and Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum posted “Mossdaboss.”
San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey said, “A Tune [musical note emoji].”
Riley Moss Called Broncos Trade Candidate
RIley Moss, Denver Broncos
GettyRiley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
The Broncos traded up to select Moss in the third round of the 2023 draft, underscoring how highly they thought of him.
However, the Broncos drafted Jahdae Barron 20th overall in the 2025 draft. Their decision to retain McMillian has also fueled speculation that Moss could be the odd man out in the Broncos’ cornerback room.
Spotrac listed him as the team’s trade candidate.
“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,” the entry on Moss reads. “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.”
Barron played in sub-packages as a rookie, but the economics of the NFL could dictate that the Broncos work him into the game plan more often in Year 2.
Riley Moss Reaching Crossroads in Denver
Riley Moss
GettyRiley Moss #21 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs.
The Broncos have already given Surtain a four-year, $96 million contract that runs through 2028, but McMillian is a free agent after this season. McMillian’s departure would open up the nickelback role for Barron, if the Broncos see fit.
However, there remains time for McMillian’s camp and the Broncos to work out a long-term deal.
This season could prove pivotal for Moss and his future with the Broncos, who could take their decision in a variety of different directions.