The Denver Broncos recently field-tested their secondary depth when starting cornerbacks Pat Surtain II and Riley Moss were simultaneously sidelined. The experiment yielded clear results: first-round pick Jahdae Barron proved ready for a starting role, while Kris Abrams-Draine demonstrated he is too talented to remain a fifth-choice cornerback. This internal development significantly alters the calculus for Moss’s future, as the team now possesses a viable internal replacement who can step into the void without a drastic drop in performance.
Depth issues and 2027 free agency make a mid-season move a complex calculus for Denver.
Looking ahead to the 2027 free agency class, the Broncos face a difficult choice between re-signing Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian, both of whom are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents. Retaining McMillian, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier nickelbacks, appears to be the logical priority. With Barron emerging as a reliable starter, the financial and roster value of keeping Moss diminishes, suggesting that letting him walk in the spring could be a more efficient use of cap space.
However, the Broncos are in win-now mode and have learned the hard way the dangers of losing multiple starters simultaneously. While trading Moss for a second-round pick would be an attractive offer, such a high return is unlikely. A third-round pick would likely not justify the loss of a proven starter, especially considering Denver may already secure a third-round compensatory pick if Moss leaves in free agency. Consequently, the team must weigh the immediate need for secondary insurance against the long-term financial flexibility of letting Moss depart.
Source: Yahoo Sports
