Despite several extension-eligible players who seem to factor into Denver’s future, the Broncos did not finalize any contract extensions before the regular season.
Candidates included cornerbacks Ja’Quan McMillian and Riley Moss, defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, and wide receiver Marvin Mims, among others (via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Post). Head coach Sean Payton has mentioned interest in retaining a few of those players, but there has been virtually no discussion of an extension for anyone.
But the Broncos have spent significant money on players like Patrick Surtain and Nik Bonitto in recent years, and a long-term extension for quarterback Bo Nix could be on the horizon. None of the aformentioned extension candidates have emerged as Pro Bowl-caliber players, either.
McMillian, 26, has been somewhat of a revelation since emerging as Denver’s starting slot corner in 2023. He was retained on a second-round RFA tag this offseason worth $5.8MM, but the nickel market is more than double that. Moss, 26, has held up while bearing a ton of targets on the opposite boundary from Surtain and even led the NFL with 19 passes defended last year. How much can the Broncos afford to pay their starting cornerback trio with Surtain’s $24MM AAV contract already on the books.
Uwuzurike is set to take on a starting job in a contract year following the offseason departure of defensive end John Franklin-Myers this offseason, per Tomasson. He occupied a 35% snap share in 2025 with 39 tackles (five for loss), 3.5 sacks, and five quarterback hits. Given his opportunity as a starter on one of the league’s best defenses this year, it is likely in Uwuzurike’s best interest to at least raise his profile in the first half of the season. He can always explore an extension with the team after proving himself initially, and even more money would likely await in the offseason.
Mims, 24, has not quite lived up to expectations since arriving in Denver as a second-round pick in 2023. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his first two years as a returner, which featured a 99-yard kick return touchdown as a rookie and a league-high 15.7 yards per punt return in his sophomore campaign. Last year, he led the league in punt return yardage. But as a receiver, he has averaged just 25 yards per game with decreasing efficiency across his first three seasons. The Broncos may want to retain their star returner, but not at a star wide receiver’s price point.
Broncos safety Brandon Jones and offensive guard Ben Powers were also mentioned by Tomasson as extension candidates, but their age and lack of premium play at non-premium positions will likely see them out of Denver’s long-term plans.