Unfortunately, there might not be a future for the 2022 undrafted class talent Jaquan McMillian this season as he could be on the trade block. Pro Football Network put together a list of cut/trade candidates this offseason after the NFL Draft and believes that McMillian could be one of them. The Denver Broncos went with their gut and got one of the most versatile cornerbacks from this year’s draft in Jahdae Barron. They already have two cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain and Riley Moss, who are on “lock” as the starting defenders for this secondary unit, so this spells bad news for McMillian, hoping to carve out a role in this roster.
However, it doesn’t look like that will happen, at least with the Broncos, despite being an effective slot corner for the team’s defense. It’s hard to imagine Denver can keep all four cornerbacks on the same roster for the future, so they have no other choice but to consider trading him now that he has a ton of value to fetch the best draft capital. The Broncos are still in the rebuilding era under quarterback Bo Nix, so this would be a no-brainer situation for the team to get a possible draft pick in return. Denver has to mortgage their future, and unfortunately, McMillian wasn’t able to land a multi-year extension.
Instead, he got a restricted tender, which is like pennies for the cornerback, who’s been a capable cornerback to cover the wide receivers. McMillian might not start for the next roster, but these three teams could give him a worthy opportunity.
REPORT: Former Broncos Undrafted Talent Jaquan McMillian On Trade Block – 3 Logical Fits
Possible Fits
New Orleans Saints
Last season, the Saints had two capable cornerbacks in Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo, but couldn’t maintain them due to injury and salary cap concerns. Now, they’re fighting to get a cornerback that can save their upcoming season since Kool-Aid McKinstry is the only man who’s capable of keeping the secondary unit afloat. However, they did sign Justin Reid, which only gives relief in the safety department alongside Tyrann Mathieu, who just took a pay cut this offseason. This might not be efficient enough to get the best experience out of the secondary, so they’re in dire need of a cornerback.
Alontae Taylor isn’t ready for full-time duties, and given that the Saints offense might struggle, they may lean on the defense to help keep this team competitive. It’s a tricky situation for the quarterback room as they may lose Derek Carr for a season and have to depend on two unproven signal-callers, Tyler Shough and Spencer Rattler. The Saints trading for McMillian would fit the bill and be a good step to repair their secondary department.
Carolina Panthers
Meanwhile, it’s looking like the Panthers will have one of the best secondary units. After signing Tre’Von Moehrig during free agency, the Panthers are shaping up to be explosive in disrupting the offenses’ aerial attack. Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn are coming back on new contracts, and McMillian could fit behind them as a reliable slot cornerback, filling in backup duties.
Washington Commanders
This might be Lattimore’s last season with the Commanders, who came in a trade last year. The team is giving Jonathan Jones a one-year deal to prove his worth. Washington never fails to bring out the best in cornerbacks, and Benjamin St-Juste’s departure for Los Angeles is an example of that. Perhaps, McMillian could do the same in Washington and be a viable help for Jones.
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