Ja’Quan McMillan at center of Denver Broncos $5.8 million decision after controversial Josh Allen AFC Divisional interception

Ja’Quan McMillan is not going anywhere and the Denver Broncos have made a big $5.8 million contract decision on the defensive back who was at the center of the controversial Josh Allen interception in the AFC Divisional Round. According to ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Denver is placing a second round tender worth $5.8 million on cornerback Ja’Quan McMillan.

“Broncos are placing the second-round tender ($5.8M) on CB Ja’Quan McMillan, per sources,” Jeremy Fowler reported on ESPN. This means the Broncos keep control of the 25-year-old defender for now. It also means if another NFL team wants to sign him, they would have to give Denver a second round draft pick if the Broncos decide not to match the offer.Denver already has one of the strongest defenses in the NFL. While many fans are talking about changes on offense this offseason, the front office clearly does not want to weaken the secondary. Some veterans like Alex Singleton and John Franklin-Myers are hitting free agency, but bringing back Ja’Quan McMillan may have been even more important for depth and stability.

Broncos make $5.8 million contract decision on Ja’Quan McMillan after controversial Josh Allen interception

Ja’Quan McMillan has quietly built a strong NFL career since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of East Carolina in 2022. Over four seasons, he has recorded six interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. Since 2022, he has added 24 passes defended, 195 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and nine quarterback hits. Opposing quarterbacks have posted an 84.6 passer rating when targeting him.

He was also part of the much talked about play involving Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in the AFC Divisional Round. That interception sparked debate among fans, but it showed McMillan’s awareness and positioning in a huge playoff moment.With Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, and Jahdae Barron in the room, Denver’s cornerback group was viewed by many analysts as one of the best in football last season. Keeping Ja’Quan McMillan on the second round tender keeps that unit together.Here is how the tender works. McMillan can still talk to other teams. If a team offers him a contract, Denver can match it and keep him. If the Broncos choose not to match, they would receive a second round draft pick as compensation.In reality, giving up a second round pick is a high price. Because of that, many around the league believe Ja’Quan McMillan is likely to stay in Denver for at least one more season under the $5.8 million deal. The Broncos now move forward knowing one key piece of their defense remains in place.