The Denver Broncos have built one of the best secondaries in the NFL, and starting cornerback Riley Moss is a big reason why. But despite his key role in 2026, Moss is set to become a free agent after the season, sparking a ton of trade rumors that just won't quit. Moe Moton from Bleacher Report is out here saying the team should seriously think about trading him before the season even starts.
Broncos Faced with Tough Call on Star Corner
Moton’s argument for moving Moss is pretty straightforward: the Broncos snagged Jahdae Barron in the first round of the 2025 draft. If they aren't planning on signing Moss to an extension in his contract year, then trading him now at his "peak value" makes sense, elevating Barron on the depth chart before Week 1. Moss was a beast in 2025, starting all 17 games and tying Carolina Panthers cornerback Michael Jackson for a league-leading 19 pass breakups. That's a huge stat! You'd think a guy with that kind of production would draw major interest on the trade block if Denver decided to shop him around.The Numbers Don't Lie, But Neither Do the Flags
Yeah, Moton called it a "questionable move," and it totally is. Barron being a first-round pick definitely muddies the waters for any extension talks with Moss. You know Denver will probably want to see how both guys play this season before committing to anything long-term with Moss. Here's the kicker: Moss also led the NFL in defensive pass interference calls last season. That stat has a lot of Broncos fans feeling like he's a liability, right? But you gotta keep it in context, folks: Moss gets targeted way more by opposing quarterbacks because of who's on the other side of the field, Pat Surtain II. When you've got a lockdown corner like Surtain, QBs are gonna try their luck elsewhere, leading to more plays on Moss, good and bad. The smart money still feels like keeping this whole secondary intact is the best move, even with Barron waiting in the wings. Their cornerback position is a huge strength; dismantling that just to get Barron more snaps seems wild. But hey, if the Broncos could pull off getting a day two pick in the loaded 2027 draft, like Moton suggests, for a guy they drafted in the third round in 2023, you know they'd have to consider it. This is crunch time for the Broncos, and a big decision needs to happen before Week 1.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.