With questions still surrounding his future in Denver, Ja'Quan McMillian has continued to draw attention ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Despite the uncertainty, the former undrafted defensive back is still receiving strong praise within the Broncos organization.

According to Mile High Huddle, Ja'Quan McMillian is one of the Broncos players who deserves more respect ahead of the 2026 season and is at the top of their list. NFL Media also agreed, calling him the team’s most underappreciated player on the 90-man offseason roster.

“McMillian responded with his best professional season yet,” NFL.com editor Gennaro Filice wrote while discussing the defensive back’s rise in Denver. 

Broncos GM George Paton also praised the cornerback earlier this offseason, saying, “He’s one of our core players. We love having him here.”

McMillian entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and was not expected to become a starter right away. Over time, he earned a key role in Denver’s secondary, especially as a nickel corner in Vance Joseph’s defense. 

Since entering the league in 2022, McMillian has had 6 interceptions, 119 return yards, 2 touchdowns, and 195 total tackles, showing his impact on Denver’s defense.

Ja'Quan McMillian signed a one-year, $5.767 million (approximately $5.8M) restricted free agent tender to stay with the Denver Broncos for the 2026 season.

This deal gives him a pay raise while allowing Denver to retain him on a team-friendly contract. He is now set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027 after the upcoming season.

Despite signing a one-year restricted free agent tender, McMillian’s long-term spot in Denver is still not fully settled. With the Broncos adding young talent in the secondary, his role beyond the 2026 season will depend on how he performs this year.

Even with an uncertain future, McMillian has continued to gain recognition, with NFL Media even calling him the Broncos’ most underappreciated player.

McMillian Earns Broncos’ Most Underappreciated Player Label 

Ja’Quan McMillian has established himself as an important part of the Broncos' defense since entering the league as a college free agent following the 2022 draft. He has become the starting nickelback in his second season and has been a consistent presence in coverage.

According to Pro Football Reference, he played better in coverage this season, allowing a 74.2 passer rating, which is the best of his career and shows clear improvement in Denver’s defense. 

NFL.com’s Tom Blair highlighted McMillian as his pick for the Broncos’ “most underappreciated” player heading into the 2026 season.

Blair noted the impact of Denver’s 2025 first-round selection of Jahdae Barron, which initially raised questions about McMillian’s role in the lineup.

McMillian will now look to carry this form into the 2026 season and remain an important part of the Broncos defense, where he has already shown his value in key moments.

Do you think McMillian deserves a bigger role in Denver? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason