2 months ago
Steelers news: AFC executive hits Joey Porter Jr. with humbling take amid contract dispute appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. spoke to reporters about the status of his contract negotiations, hoping for an agreement to be reached before kickoff. He explicitly dismissed rumors suggesting he demanded to become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback while trying to manage outside expectations about his contract demands.
Despite Porter's efforts to temper expectations, personnel evaluators around the league are skeptical about his true market value. There is a high-stakes standoff in Pittsburgh, with front-office executives questioning whether the 26-year-old cornerback has earned the right to command top compensation alongside the league's elite defensive players.
An in-depth report from The New York Times included a sobering **** sment from a rival AFC executive on Porter's leverage and standing: "Is Joey Porter as good as maybe he values himself? I would **** ume he wants to be on par with Surtain/Horn, maybe even higher. But he isn't at that level as a player. Perhaps the Steelers are willing to accept a compensatory pick or a franchise tag instead of committing to what might be an overestimate."
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#steelers #contract
Ahead of Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. spoke to reporters about the status of his contract negotiations, hoping for an agreement to be reached before kickoff. He explicitly dismissed rumors suggesting he demanded to become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback while trying to manage outside expectations about his contract demands.
Despite Porter's efforts to temper expectations, personnel evaluators around the league are skeptical about his true market value. There is a high-stakes standoff in Pittsburgh, with front-office executives questioning whether the 26-year-old cornerback has earned the right to command top compensation alongside the league's elite defensive players.
An in-depth report from The New York Times included a sobering **** sment from a rival AFC executive on Porter's leverage and standing: "Is Joey Porter as good as maybe he values himself? I would **** ume he wants to be on par with Surtain/Horn, maybe even higher. But he isn't at that level as a player. Perhaps the Steelers are willing to accept a compensatory pick or a franchise tag instead of committing to what might be an overestimate."
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#steelers #contract
2 months ago
Patrick Surtain II spoke with reporters at the Broncos' facility this week about the version of Patrick Mahomes that Denver will meet at Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 14, two days short of nine months after the Chiefs quarterback had surgery on his left knee.
Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in that knee on Dec. 14 against the Chargers, taken down from behind on a scramble, and had surgery two days later in Dallas with Dr. Dan Cooper. He was initially told the recovery would run nine months. He has not missed a practice since being cleared for football work in July, and for the first time in his career he did not appear in a preseason game.
Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; AFC conterback Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos (2) during Pro Bowl Games practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
"It's really tough to tell 'cause coming off an injury like that, it's pretty tough, but I don't expect nothing less for him to be himself," Surtain said. "I mean, obviously they might change the scheme up for him a little bit, not allow him to run as much, but like you said, to be more of a pocket passer, which he's good at, so, it's still Patrick Mahomes at the end of the day, so, we still gotta prepare and study for him like the years past, so, we'll be ready."
Mahomes carried 64 times for 422 yards in 14 games last season, and the play that ended his year came on a scramble outside the pocket. Andy Reid has not said publicly how much of that usage he intends to keep, and Surtain named the likely adjustment before Kansas City described one.
#patrick #Broncos #denver
Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in that knee on Dec. 14 against the Chargers, taken down from behind on a scramble, and had surgery two days later in Dallas with Dr. Dan Cooper. He was initially told the recovery would run nine months. He has not missed a practice since being cleared for football work in July, and for the first time in his career he did not appear in a preseason game.
Feb 4, 2023; Paradise, NV, USA; AFC conterback Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos (2) during Pro Bowl Games practice at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
"It's really tough to tell 'cause coming off an injury like that, it's pretty tough, but I don't expect nothing less for him to be himself," Surtain said. "I mean, obviously they might change the scheme up for him a little bit, not allow him to run as much, but like you said, to be more of a pocket passer, which he's good at, so, it's still Patrick Mahomes at the end of the day, so, we still gotta prepare and study for him like the years past, so, we'll be ready."
Mahomes carried 64 times for 422 yards in 14 games last season, and the play that ended his year came on a scramble outside the pocket. Andy Reid has not said publicly how much of that usage he intends to keep, and Surtain named the likely adjustment before Kansas City described one.
#patrick #Broncos #denver
2 months ago
In ESPN's most recent projections for who will be the top 100 players in the NFL this season, there are five Houston Texans players who made the list. Four of them were on defense: defensive ends Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, as well as cornerbacks Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter. Houston's one player on offense who made the list was wide receiver Nico Collins.
Anderson was the first Texans player on the list, coming in at No. 15 after his All-Pro season and finishing the year as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He's also the No. 4 defensive player, trailing only Los Angeles Rams' Myles Garrett (No. 1), Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain (No. 7) and Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (No. 13).
"Anderson has an effort similar to that of players on their rookie deals trying to prove themselves in the NFL. Throughout the course of training camp, he has been extra disruptive," D.J. Bienn-Amie wrote. "He's getting to that point where he realizes if he wants to shut practice down, he can shut it down," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said. So, expect a better Anderson after his massive contract extension"
Signature stat: Anderson has the third-highest pass rush win rate in the NFL since entering the league in 2023 (23%). That trails only Micah Parsons (29%) and Myles Garrett (24%) over that span.
After what many would consider to be a breakout year, Bien-Amie predicts for Anderson to take a slight step back, totaling 57 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a pass breakup.
#anderson #defensive #year #list
Anderson was the first Texans player on the list, coming in at No. 15 after his All-Pro season and finishing the year as the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year. He's also the No. 4 defensive player, trailing only Los Angeles Rams' Myles Garrett (No. 1), Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain (No. 7) and Green Bay Packers' Micah Parsons (No. 13).
"Anderson has an effort similar to that of players on their rookie deals trying to prove themselves in the NFL. Throughout the course of training camp, he has been extra disruptive," D.J. Bienn-Amie wrote. "He's getting to that point where he realizes if he wants to shut practice down, he can shut it down," defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins said. So, expect a better Anderson after his massive contract extension"
Signature stat: Anderson has the third-highest pass rush win rate in the NFL since entering the league in 2023 (23%). That trails only Micah Parsons (29%) and Myles Garrett (24%) over that span.
After what many would consider to be a breakout year, Bien-Amie predicts for Anderson to take a slight step back, totaling 57 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and a pass breakup.
#anderson #defensive #year #list
2 months ago
Ja'Quan McMillian is getting the respect he deserves. It's just hard to do so at times when the player on the other side of you happens to be Patrick Surtain II. But that's why CBS Sports.com writer Zachary Pereles placed McMillian fourth on his list of 50 NFL players who are flying under the radar.
McMillian finished his 2025 NFL season with 56 tackles and two interceptions. While Surtain gets most of the credit, Pereles makes sure to highlight that McMillian's all-around play makes him a key ****** et to the Denver Broncos' defense.
"McMillian's 2025 season included becoming the first player to sack Patrick Mahomes twice and intercept him once in the same game, as well as the crucial, controversial overtime interception against the Bills in the playoffs," Pereles wrote for CBS Sports. "He also had four sacks, more than he recorded in his first three seasons combined. His all-around skill set is a big part of Denver's defense."
Hopefully, 2026 is a big enough year that McMillian can grab a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
#mcmillian #patrick #sports #makes
McMillian finished his 2025 NFL season with 56 tackles and two interceptions. While Surtain gets most of the credit, Pereles makes sure to highlight that McMillian's all-around play makes him a key ****** et to the Denver Broncos' defense.
"McMillian's 2025 season included becoming the first player to sack Patrick Mahomes twice and intercept him once in the same game, as well as the crucial, controversial overtime interception against the Bills in the playoffs," Pereles wrote for CBS Sports. "He also had four sacks, more than he recorded in his first three seasons combined. His all-around skill set is a big part of Denver's defense."
Hopefully, 2026 is a big enough year that McMillian can grab a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
#mcmillian #patrick #sports #makes
2 months ago
Pro Football Focus released its top 32 cornerbacks rankings going into the 2026 NFL season earlier this month. While Seattle Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon tops the list, the Denver Broncos have an impressive two cornerbacks on the list: Pat Surtain II and Ja'Quan McMillian.
Check out why writer Dalton Wasserman placed both Surtain and McMillian on his list.
On Surtain:
"Surtain didn't quite reach the heights of his Defensive Player of the Year-winning 2024 campaign last season, but he still played very well while accruing at least 1,000 snaps for the fourth straight year. His 73.3 PFF grade ranked 22nd among all qualified cornerbacks. He also tallied 10 pass breakups and hauled in one interception. Surtain will continue to be the headliner for one of the league's elite secondaries."
And on McMillian:
#year #Football #Seattle
Check out why writer Dalton Wasserman placed both Surtain and McMillian on his list.
On Surtain:
"Surtain didn't quite reach the heights of his Defensive Player of the Year-winning 2024 campaign last season, but he still played very well while accruing at least 1,000 snaps for the fourth straight year. His 73.3 PFF grade ranked 22nd among all qualified cornerbacks. He also tallied 10 pass breakups and hauled in one interception. Surtain will continue to be the headliner for one of the league's elite secondaries."
And on McMillian:
#year #Football #Seattle
2 months ago
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love wasn't afraid to test Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain in last Friday's preseason showdown.
Surtain was targeted four times in coverage, and all four passes were completed, according to Pro Football Focus. PS2 was credited with allowing four receptions for 45 yards (Surtain did force a fumble on one of those plays, but the receiver was later ruled down by contact after review).
Despite Green Bay's apparent success against PS2 on their opening drive, Love was full of praise for the cornerback after the game.
"He is definitely one of the best corners in the game," Love said when asked about Surtain. "He does a great job in everything he does. I definitely have a lot of respect for him. Like you said, that play, he made a great play trying to get the ball out, but it is just what he does. He's a sticky corner. He does a lot of good things. We've seen him in years past, but I'm excited for him and the year he's going to have."
When the Broncos faced the Packers last fall, Surtain only allowed one reception for five yards on three targets. PS2 also had a brilliant interception in that game. So, Love certainly knows what Surtain is capable of. The star cornerback was seemingly shaking the rust off on Friday, but opposing QBs consider him one of the best CBs in the game.
#surtain
Surtain was targeted four times in coverage, and all four passes were completed, according to Pro Football Focus. PS2 was credited with allowing four receptions for 45 yards (Surtain did force a fumble on one of those plays, but the receiver was later ruled down by contact after review).
Despite Green Bay's apparent success against PS2 on their opening drive, Love was full of praise for the cornerback after the game.
"He is definitely one of the best corners in the game," Love said when asked about Surtain. "He does a great job in everything he does. I definitely have a lot of respect for him. Like you said, that play, he made a great play trying to get the ball out, but it is just what he does. He's a sticky corner. He does a lot of good things. We've seen him in years past, but I'm excited for him and the year he's going to have."
When the Broncos faced the Packers last fall, Surtain only allowed one reception for five yards on three targets. PS2 also had a brilliant interception in that game. So, Love certainly knows what Surtain is capable of. The star cornerback was seemingly shaking the rust off on Friday, but opposing QBs consider him one of the best CBs in the game.
#surtain
2 months ago
The start of the Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers Week 2 preseason game has happened and the Broncos already have an injury to a key starter.
Early on the first drive, Patrick Surtain II forced a fumble on wide receiver Christian Watson. That was recovered by Riley Moss. However, the play was overturned, and Watson was ruled down by contact. As the play ended, Moss was seen leaving the field holding his ribcage apparently shaken up on the play.
According to various reports, Moss has exited the game and went into the blue medical tent. He is now back in the Broncos' locker room. The extent of his injury isn't known beyond the aforementioned, but this post will be updated with any relevant information once it becomes available.
#game #denver
Early on the first drive, Patrick Surtain II forced a fumble on wide receiver Christian Watson. That was recovered by Riley Moss. However, the play was overturned, and Watson was ruled down by contact. As the play ended, Moss was seen leaving the field holding his ribcage apparently shaken up on the play.
According to various reports, Moss has exited the game and went into the blue medical tent. He is now back in the Broncos' locker room. The extent of his injury isn't known beyond the aforementioned, but this post will be updated with any relevant information once it becomes available.
#game #denver
2 months ago
Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is not planning on being any less aggressive in what could be a make-or-break season for the fourth-year defender.
Moss has never been shy about attacking the football during his time with the Broncos. In fact, he's had to do it more out of necessity after starting opposite of 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain. Moss was penalized 10 times in 2025; sometimes it was correct, and sometimes it seemed like Moss was unfairly targeted. After an offseason of intense training, Moss is ready to prove his worth.
"My parents have always told me this, I like to learn the hard way," Moss said in early August. "It actually helps me out in those situations because, yes, they're going to throw the flag because I'm being too aggressive, but even 'VJ' (defensive coordinator Vance Joseph) will tell me, 'Keep going out there. Keep playing aggressive.' It happens."
To his credit, Moss has had a tremendous training camp, breaking up passes all over the field. Moss has consistently been listed by Denver media as a standout at practice. In Week 1 of the preseason against the Atlanta Falcons, Moss even picked off a pass, which many see as proof of a big year in the making. "I know I need to do better as a whole this season," Moss admitted. "It's been a big focus of this camp. I'm still going to play aggressive and not shy away from it."
Coach Sean Payton also doesn't think that Moss should shed the aggressive nature of his play, even with the penalty troubles Moss encountered in 2025. "There were some tough calls against him as well that I think go with the position," Payton said. "He certainly doesn't back away from that, and I think that's important, especially at that position."
#going #Broncos #keep #payton
Moss has never been shy about attacking the football during his time with the Broncos. In fact, he's had to do it more out of necessity after starting opposite of 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain. Moss was penalized 10 times in 2025; sometimes it was correct, and sometimes it seemed like Moss was unfairly targeted. After an offseason of intense training, Moss is ready to prove his worth.
"My parents have always told me this, I like to learn the hard way," Moss said in early August. "It actually helps me out in those situations because, yes, they're going to throw the flag because I'm being too aggressive, but even 'VJ' (defensive coordinator Vance Joseph) will tell me, 'Keep going out there. Keep playing aggressive.' It happens."
To his credit, Moss has had a tremendous training camp, breaking up passes all over the field. Moss has consistently been listed by Denver media as a standout at practice. In Week 1 of the preseason against the Atlanta Falcons, Moss even picked off a pass, which many see as proof of a big year in the making. "I know I need to do better as a whole this season," Moss admitted. "It's been a big focus of this camp. I'm still going to play aggressive and not shy away from it."
Coach Sean Payton also doesn't think that Moss should shed the aggressive nature of his play, even with the penalty troubles Moss encountered in 2025. "There were some tough calls against him as well that I think go with the position," Payton said. "He certainly doesn't back away from that, and I think that's important, especially at that position."
#going #Broncos #keep #payton
3 months ago
There is one name in the Dallas Cowboys secondary that is starting to become impossible to ignore for his consistent play, and that name is second-year cornerback Shavon Revel Jr.
Revel is healthy and living up to the first-round potential he had as a prospect out of Eastern Carolina in the 2025 draft, where his injury history allowed the Cowboys to draft him in the third round. Revel is not only enjoying being a full participant in Cowboys training camp in Oxnard for the first time, but like the rest of the defense and secondary in particular, getting this fresh start under the tutelage of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Parker arrived at his first DC job with the Cowboys as a known commodity when it came to quickly developing cornerback talent and getting them to play well within the greater Vic Fangio-styled defensive scheme. The names often **** ociated with this have much higher draft pedigree than Revel, though.
In Parker's first job as a position coach in the NFL, with the Denver Broncos in 2021, they drafted Patrick Surtain in the first round. When Parker left for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, they double-dipped at cornerback in the first round with CBs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Parker's first pick with the Cowboys was obviously Caleb Downs this April, which remains highly exciting as Downs has made an impact right away too. Parker didn't draft Revel, but the excitement is that his 2025 season was enough of a wash to almost make this a rookie redo – under significantly better circumstances all around – for the talented corner. It's like a bonus pick for Parker that's paying off beautifully.
Watching that dreadful '25 Cowboys defense, it didn't feel like there was any solution to move forward with if this defense was going to improve quickly. On the eve of the Cowboys first preseason test of 2026, we're now living in a world where undrafted free agent carryovers like Justin Barron are making plays at linebacker, Julius Wood and Alijah Clark are doing the same at safety, and Revel has the overall situation at cornerback looking up.
#draft
Revel is healthy and living up to the first-round potential he had as a prospect out of Eastern Carolina in the 2025 draft, where his injury history allowed the Cowboys to draft him in the third round. Revel is not only enjoying being a full participant in Cowboys training camp in Oxnard for the first time, but like the rest of the defense and secondary in particular, getting this fresh start under the tutelage of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Parker arrived at his first DC job with the Cowboys as a known commodity when it came to quickly developing cornerback talent and getting them to play well within the greater Vic Fangio-styled defensive scheme. The names often **** ociated with this have much higher draft pedigree than Revel, though.
In Parker's first job as a position coach in the NFL, with the Denver Broncos in 2021, they drafted Patrick Surtain in the first round. When Parker left for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, they double-dipped at cornerback in the first round with CBs Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Parker's first pick with the Cowboys was obviously Caleb Downs this April, which remains highly exciting as Downs has made an impact right away too. Parker didn't draft Revel, but the excitement is that his 2025 season was enough of a wash to almost make this a rookie redo – under significantly better circumstances all around – for the talented corner. It's like a bonus pick for Parker that's paying off beautifully.
Watching that dreadful '25 Cowboys defense, it didn't feel like there was any solution to move forward with if this defense was going to improve quickly. On the eve of the Cowboys first preseason test of 2026, we're now living in a world where undrafted free agent carryovers like Justin Barron are making plays at linebacker, Julius Wood and Alijah Clark are doing the same at safety, and Revel has the overall situation at cornerback looking up.
#draft
3 months ago
Training camp gives the opportunity to get the perspective of many different voices within an organization. FanDuel TV's Kay Adams has been traveling around the league, going to different teams, and Monday was her opportunity to sit down with several Denver Broncos players and coaches.
Adams interviewed coach Sean Payton, quarterback Bo Nix, cornerback Pat Surtain and pass-rusher Nik Bonitto about a wide range of topics.
We take a look at highlights from each interview Adams conducted below.
In her interview with coach Payton, Adams asked Payton to do her job for a minute. She asked Payton what is the question about the Broncos heading into 2026. Payton gave a very thoughtful answer. "They won 11 to 13 fourth-quarter games," Payton said. "Historically speaking, when you look those numbers and you find the 12 teams or the 10 teams that have done that, this is what they've done the next year. And so I think it's important for us to look closely at, 'all right, where is the room for growth still?' And there's a lot of things we didn't do well. The first thing is to not play in as many one-score games... We want quicker starts... You want to be uncommon. And so those are all the common stats that we're looking at. And I think we have an uncommon team."
Payton also spoke about attending the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony for Drew Brees, quarterback Bo Nix's health and mobility, Jaylen Waddle's superpower, new offensive coordinator Davis Webb and more. You can view Adams' full interview with Payton below.
#payton #interview
Adams interviewed coach Sean Payton, quarterback Bo Nix, cornerback Pat Surtain and pass-rusher Nik Bonitto about a wide range of topics.
We take a look at highlights from each interview Adams conducted below.
In her interview with coach Payton, Adams asked Payton to do her job for a minute. She asked Payton what is the question about the Broncos heading into 2026. Payton gave a very thoughtful answer. "They won 11 to 13 fourth-quarter games," Payton said. "Historically speaking, when you look those numbers and you find the 12 teams or the 10 teams that have done that, this is what they've done the next year. And so I think it's important for us to look closely at, 'all right, where is the room for growth still?' And there's a lot of things we didn't do well. The first thing is to not play in as many one-score games... We want quicker starts... You want to be uncommon. And so those are all the common stats that we're looking at. And I think we have an uncommon team."
Payton also spoke about attending the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony for Drew Brees, quarterback Bo Nix's health and mobility, Jaylen Waddle's superpower, new offensive coordinator Davis Webb and more. You can view Adams' full interview with Payton below.
#payton #interview
3 months ago
How good is the Houston Texans' secondary entering 2026?
In a sense, slightly underrated by Pro Football Focus compared to other rankings around the NFL, most notably at cornerback.
PFF recently revealed its top 32 cornerbacks for the 2026 season, with both Kamari Lassiter and two-time All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. ranked inside the top 10. Stingely, who has been arguably the second-best cornerback since 2024 behind former Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, came in at No. 7 overall, behind names like Surtain, Seattle's Devon Witherspoon and Indianapolis' Sauce Gardner.
The reason? Yards before contact.
"Stingley experienced a bit of a volatile 2025 campaign in coverage last season, but his elite ball skills still allowed him to tally four interceptions and nine pass breakups," PFF's Dalton Wasserman wrote. "His 73.5 PFF coverage grade ranked 23rd among all qualified cornerbacks. Over the past three years, Stingley slots second among qualified cornerbacks with a 90.3 coverage grade. He and Kamari Lassiter make a good case to be labeled the NFL's best cornerback duo."
#stingley #cornerback #cornerbacks #kamari
In a sense, slightly underrated by Pro Football Focus compared to other rankings around the NFL, most notably at cornerback.
PFF recently revealed its top 32 cornerbacks for the 2026 season, with both Kamari Lassiter and two-time All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. ranked inside the top 10. Stingely, who has been arguably the second-best cornerback since 2024 behind former Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II, came in at No. 7 overall, behind names like Surtain, Seattle's Devon Witherspoon and Indianapolis' Sauce Gardner.
The reason? Yards before contact.
"Stingley experienced a bit of a volatile 2025 campaign in coverage last season, but his elite ball skills still allowed him to tally four interceptions and nine pass breakups," PFF's Dalton Wasserman wrote. "His 73.5 PFF coverage grade ranked 23rd among all qualified cornerbacks. Over the past three years, Stingley slots second among qualified cornerbacks with a 90.3 coverage grade. He and Kamari Lassiter make a good case to be labeled the NFL's best cornerback duo."
#stingley #cornerback #cornerbacks #kamari
3 months ago
Perhaps with the exception of good friend Pat Surtain, no Denver Broncos player was happier about the Jaylen Waddle trade than third-year quarterback Bo Nix.
Waddle is a speedy, consistent play-making receiver, which is exactly what Denver's offense had been lacking. Waddle is currently sidelined with a strain, but he's expected to be back in action within a few days.
"He's an explosive playmaker," quarterback Bo Nix said last weekend. "The guy is really good at what he does. He makes plays, he's fast, he's really explosive. He's great ball in hand, he's great going to get the ball deep, he's great in the screen game. He can do just a lot of things. He's very versatile.
"He adds an extra element to our offense, and it's exciting. We have a lot of different weapons that we're using, and I think top to bottom, this is just a really strong team, really good. We just have to find what works for us and find ways to utilize all our tools."
Waddle is, as Nix emphasized, a versatile weapon. He can line up all over the field, and that could help create openings for other players as well.
#good #great #quarterback #find
Waddle is a speedy, consistent play-making receiver, which is exactly what Denver's offense had been lacking. Waddle is currently sidelined with a strain, but he's expected to be back in action within a few days.
"He's an explosive playmaker," quarterback Bo Nix said last weekend. "The guy is really good at what he does. He makes plays, he's fast, he's really explosive. He's great ball in hand, he's great going to get the ball deep, he's great in the screen game. He can do just a lot of things. He's very versatile.
"He adds an extra element to our offense, and it's exciting. We have a lot of different weapons that we're using, and I think top to bottom, this is just a really strong team, really good. We just have to find what works for us and find ways to utilize all our tools."
Waddle is, as Nix emphasized, a versatile weapon. He can line up all over the field, and that could help create openings for other players as well.
#good #great #quarterback #find
3 months ago
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle expressed his appreciation for how his new teammates and fans have quickly embraced him at training camp earlier this week.
"The Broncos fans are great," Waddle said after Tuesday's practice session. "Just coming out here and just taking time out the middle of the day during a work week to come out here and just see us compete against each other is great. It's packed every day. It's great. They're very loud, and we can hear them and they give us energy."
Waddle came to Denver in a blockbuster trade from the Miami Dolphins this spring, and quickly integrated himself with his new teammates. Quarterback Bo Nix took Waddle out to dinner his first night in town, and Waddle was seen with former college roommate Pat Surtain several times this offseason.
Multiple teammates also celebrated Waddle's arrival. Left tackle Garett Bolles spoke on the phone with Waddle, and offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz celebrated a bowling strike with Waddle's signature touchdown dance. For his part, Waddle calls the team "a big family."
"They welcomed me with open arms since Day 1," Waddle said. "I kind of grew to (know) not just Pat, but my receiver group, and the defense and everyone. It's like a big family here. It just makes it easy to come to work. It makes it easy to come to work, go out there and compete in front of the fans on days like this."
#waddle #teammates #denver #receiver
"The Broncos fans are great," Waddle said after Tuesday's practice session. "Just coming out here and just taking time out the middle of the day during a work week to come out here and just see us compete against each other is great. It's packed every day. It's great. They're very loud, and we can hear them and they give us energy."
Waddle came to Denver in a blockbuster trade from the Miami Dolphins this spring, and quickly integrated himself with his new teammates. Quarterback Bo Nix took Waddle out to dinner his first night in town, and Waddle was seen with former college roommate Pat Surtain several times this offseason.
Multiple teammates also celebrated Waddle's arrival. Left tackle Garett Bolles spoke on the phone with Waddle, and offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz celebrated a bowling strike with Waddle's signature touchdown dance. For his part, Waddle calls the team "a big family."
"They welcomed me with open arms since Day 1," Waddle said. "I kind of grew to (know) not just Pat, but my receiver group, and the defense and everyone. It's like a big family here. It just makes it easy to come to work. It makes it easy to come to work, go out there and compete in front of the fans on days like this."
#waddle #teammates #denver #receiver
3 months ago
Former University of Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner has been named to the Sporting News college football all-decade team for the 2020s.
A key piece of the Bearcats' undefeated regular season and run to the 2021 College Football Playoff, Gardner was named a consensus first-team All-American after allowing just 13 catches for 117 yards. He recorded 35 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
Gardner was drafted by the New York Jets with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year and became the first cornerback since the 1970 merger to be named to the AP All-Pro first team in each of his first two seasons.
He currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts, who open the season on Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts also host the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 27.
Also at cornerback on the all-decade team is former Alabama star Patrick Surtain II, who currently plays for the Denver Broncos.
#gardner #first #college
A key piece of the Bearcats' undefeated regular season and run to the 2021 College Football Playoff, Gardner was named a consensus first-team All-American after allowing just 13 catches for 117 yards. He recorded 35 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions and four pass breakups.
Gardner was drafted by the New York Jets with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was the 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year and became the first cornerback since the 1970 merger to be named to the AP All-Pro first team in each of his first two seasons.
He currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts, who open the season on Sept. 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. The Colts also host the Cincinnati Bengals on Dec. 27.
Also at cornerback on the all-decade team is former Alabama star Patrick Surtain II, who currently plays for the Denver Broncos.
#gardner #first #college
3 months ago
No, the Denver Broncos are not moving second-year cornerback Jahdae Barron to safety. Broncos coach Sean Payton made that very clear after Monday's practice.
"He's doing good," Payton said when asked about Barron earlier this week. "I read somewhere where we moved him to safety, and I don't know who wrote the article. I'm not. He's playing nickel, he's playing corner and then when we get into dime, he replaces a linebacker. So he's doing really good. There's been no position change."
Riley Moss continues to play across from Pat Surtain as the team's No. 2 outside cornerback, and Ja'Quan McMillian has been playing in the slot. Barron can rotate in with McMillian as the nickelback, and he gets on the field in "dime" packages when Denver plays with six defensive backs.
"No safety work," Payton said. "He's playing [outside] corner, nickel and dime."
PS2 is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and Moss and McMillian are both seemingly playing too well to be benched. So Barron might be looking at another season as a rotational defensive back in Denver.
#barron #denver #dime #cornerback
"He's doing good," Payton said when asked about Barron earlier this week. "I read somewhere where we moved him to safety, and I don't know who wrote the article. I'm not. He's playing nickel, he's playing corner and then when we get into dime, he replaces a linebacker. So he's doing really good. There's been no position change."
Riley Moss continues to play across from Pat Surtain as the team's No. 2 outside cornerback, and Ja'Quan McMillian has been playing in the slot. Barron can rotate in with McMillian as the nickelback, and he gets on the field in "dime" packages when Denver plays with six defensive backs.
"No safety work," Payton said. "He's playing [outside] corner, nickel and dime."
PS2 is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and Moss and McMillian are both seemingly playing too well to be benched. So Barron might be looking at another season as a rotational defensive back in Denver.
#barron #denver #dime #cornerback
3 months ago
After being designated as waived/injured by the Denver Broncos on Friday, undrafted cornerback Blake Cotton cleared waivers and reverted to the team's injured reserve list. Cotton was then released from IR with an injury settlement on Sunday, according to the NFL's transaction wire.
After the Broncos signed veteran cornerback Sam Webb last week, Cotton told the Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson that he was being released with an injury settlement. The team had to first designate him as waived/injured as a formality, but he is now a free agent after being cut from IR with a settlement.
Cotton (6-2, 195 pounds) totaled 30 tackles and seven pass breakups in 13 games at Utah last fall. He originally joined the club in June after a successful tryout. The Broncos' remaining cornerbacks on the 91-man offseason roster are Pat Surtain, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine, Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, Sean Fresch and Brent Austin.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos release cornerback from IR with injury settlement
#Broncos #wire #denver
After the Broncos signed veteran cornerback Sam Webb last week, Cotton told the Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson that he was being released with an injury settlement. The team had to first designate him as waived/injured as a formality, but he is now a free agent after being cut from IR with a settlement.
Cotton (6-2, 195 pounds) totaled 30 tackles and seven pass breakups in 13 games at Utah last fall. He originally joined the club in June after a successful tryout. The Broncos' remaining cornerbacks on the 91-man offseason roster are Pat Surtain, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillian, Jahdae Barron, Kris Abrams-Draine, Reese Taylor, Jaden Robinson, Sean Fresch and Brent Austin.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos release cornerback from IR with injury settlement
#Broncos #wire #denver
3 months ago
EA Sports unveiled Madden NFL 27 ratings for top-rated players earlier this week, leading up to the full ratings reveal on Friday. We now know the ratings for every Denver Broncos player in this year's version of the NFL's popular video game.
Notably, star cornerback Pat Surtain was snubbed from the "99 Club," reserved for the only players in the game with a perfect 99 overall rating. Surtain also dropped from being the No. 1-rated cornerback in last year's game (97 OVR) to now ranking second (97 OVR), trailing Christian Gonzalez (98 OVR).
Elsewhere on the defense, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (91 OVR) is the ninth-best pass rusher in the game, and left tackle Garett Bolles (96 OVR) and guard Quinn Meinerz (95 OVR) are the third- and sixth-best offensive linemen in the game, respectively.
View complete player ratings for each Broncos position group below.
Bo Nix has improved from his 79 OVR rating last year.
#surtain #last
Notably, star cornerback Pat Surtain was snubbed from the "99 Club," reserved for the only players in the game with a perfect 99 overall rating. Surtain also dropped from being the No. 1-rated cornerback in last year's game (97 OVR) to now ranking second (97 OVR), trailing Christian Gonzalez (98 OVR).
Elsewhere on the defense, outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (91 OVR) is the ninth-best pass rusher in the game, and left tackle Garett Bolles (96 OVR) and guard Quinn Meinerz (95 OVR) are the third- and sixth-best offensive linemen in the game, respectively.
View complete player ratings for each Broncos position group below.
Bo Nix has improved from his 79 OVR rating last year.
#surtain #last
3 months ago
New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez stands alone at his position Madden NFL 27.
EA Sports revealed on Thursday that Gonzalez is the top rated cornerback in Madden 27 with a 98 overall rating.
Gonzalez was rated above Denver Broncos former AP Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain (97), Los Angeles Rams CB Trent McDuffie (94), Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (93) and Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. (92).
The 24-year-old Gonzalez had a great year in 2025. He recorded 10 passes defensed on the year and furthered his status as one of the best cover corners in the NFL with many big plays, most notably in the playoffs for New England.
While Gonzalez was not named an All-Pro last season over the likes of Surtain, Stingley Jr., Devon Witherspoon or Quinyon Mitchell, the latter two of whom he also received a higher rating than, the Patriots star wowed with his ability to lock down opposing wide receivers in the biggest of moments, which was a distinguishing factor for the season that he had in 2025.
#england #Patriots #rating
EA Sports revealed on Thursday that Gonzalez is the top rated cornerback in Madden 27 with a 98 overall rating.
Gonzalez was rated above Denver Broncos former AP Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain (97), Los Angeles Rams CB Trent McDuffie (94), Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward (93) and Houston Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. (92).
The 24-year-old Gonzalez had a great year in 2025. He recorded 10 passes defensed on the year and furthered his status as one of the best cover corners in the NFL with many big plays, most notably in the playoffs for New England.
While Gonzalez was not named an All-Pro last season over the likes of Surtain, Stingley Jr., Devon Witherspoon or Quinyon Mitchell, the latter two of whom he also received a higher rating than, the Patriots star wowed with his ability to lock down opposing wide receivers in the biggest of moments, which was a distinguishing factor for the season that he had in 2025.
#england #Patriots #rating
3 months ago
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Patrick Surtain II felt like he was in a maze. Quinn Meinerz was glad his truck wasn't baking in the Colorado sun.
The Denver Broncos prepared to open training camp this week from their new $175 million headquarters, which was designed with players in mind.
"Oh, this is incredible," said Meinerz, the Broncos' perennial All-Pro guard. "I'm finding new things every time. I've just stayed on the first floor. I got to park underground. When I get done with practice my truck's not going to be 150 degrees. That's a nice little thing."
The Broncos will hold their first practice of their acclimation period Wednesday in the shadows of the new state-of-the-art facility funded by owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner.
It was designed to keep players from having to exert extra energy in a superfluous manner, such as long walks to their weight room like they had to make in their old headquarters across the football fields, buildings that will be torn down after training camp next month.
#Broncos #headquarters #first
The Denver Broncos prepared to open training camp this week from their new $175 million headquarters, which was designed with players in mind.
"Oh, this is incredible," said Meinerz, the Broncos' perennial All-Pro guard. "I'm finding new things every time. I've just stayed on the first floor. I got to park underground. When I get done with practice my truck's not going to be 150 degrees. That's a nice little thing."
The Broncos will hold their first practice of their acclimation period Wednesday in the shadows of the new state-of-the-art facility funded by owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner.
It was designed to keep players from having to exert extra energy in a superfluous manner, such as long walks to their weight room like they had to make in their old headquarters across the football fields, buildings that will be torn down after training camp next month.
#Broncos #headquarters #first
4 months ago
ESPN surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts this offseason to have them rank their top players at each position group across the league.
Leading up to today, ESPN had revealed rankings at running back, cornerback, edge rusher, defensive tackle, tight end, offensive tackle, interior offensive linemen and quarterback (linebacker, wide receiver and safety rankings are coming soon). So far, the Denver Broncos have had five players rank in the top 10 at their respective positions: CB Pat Surtain (No. 1), OLB Nik Bonitto (No. 10), DL Zach Allen (No. 8), OT Garett Bolles (No. 10) and OG Quinn Meinerz (No. 4).
When ESPN surveyed the NFL on top quarterbacks, 20 players received votes. The top 10 were ranked, followed by seven honorable mentions. ESPN then listed three QBs who also received votes: Bo Nix, Daniel Jones and C.J. Stroud.
The list of honorable mentions above Nix included Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield, Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels and Sam Darnold. The list of ranked QBs above Nix included Caleb Williams (No. 10) and Drake Maye (No. 8).
Now entering his third season in the NFL, Nix will look to climb the rankings ahead of 2027.
Leading up to today, ESPN had revealed rankings at running back, cornerback, edge rusher, defensive tackle, tight end, offensive tackle, interior offensive linemen and quarterback (linebacker, wide receiver and safety rankings are coming soon). So far, the Denver Broncos have had five players rank in the top 10 at their respective positions: CB Pat Surtain (No. 1), OLB Nik Bonitto (No. 10), DL Zach Allen (No. 8), OT Garett Bolles (No. 10) and OG Quinn Meinerz (No. 4).
When ESPN surveyed the NFL on top quarterbacks, 20 players received votes. The top 10 were ranked, followed by seven honorable mentions. ESPN then listed three QBs who also received votes: Bo Nix, Daniel Jones and C.J. Stroud.
The list of honorable mentions above Nix included Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Baker Mayfield, Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels and Sam Darnold. The list of ranked QBs above Nix included Caleb Williams (No. 10) and Drake Maye (No. 8).
Now entering his third season in the NFL, Nix will look to climb the rankings ahead of 2027.
4 months ago
Tis the season for NFL media to put out their own Top 100 players list. Pro Football Network put theirs out and it is based on their own specialized formula they call a PFN Impact Score. This sort of objective measure creates a very different type of ranking as opposed to say the NFL Network, which is more of a popularity contest.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they landed four players on their Top 100, and while two of them didn't come as a suprirse, the other two did.
First up and highest-rated on the list is cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at No. 33. He's the third-highest ranked cornerabck on the list, behind only Derek Stingley Jr. and Pat Surtain II. Porter is currently waiting on a massive contract extension with the Steelers and based on this metric, he should be paid like the top corners in the NFL.
Next up we get EDGE T.J. Watt at No. 42 and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward at No. 49. Watt and Heyward were the two guys who most often show up on these sorts of lists and despite both guys having down seasons in 2025, are in great positions to rebound in 2026 under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Finally we get center Zach Frazier at No. 75. The only center on this list ranked higher than Frazier is Creed Hunphrey and it really illustrates just how well Frazier played last season, even if others weren't paying attention.
For the Pittsburgh Steelers, they landed four players on their Top 100, and while two of them didn't come as a suprirse, the other two did.
First up and highest-rated on the list is cornerback Joey Porter Jr. at No. 33. He's the third-highest ranked cornerabck on the list, behind only Derek Stingley Jr. and Pat Surtain II. Porter is currently waiting on a massive contract extension with the Steelers and based on this metric, he should be paid like the top corners in the NFL.
Next up we get EDGE T.J. Watt at No. 42 and defensive tackle Cameron Heyward at No. 49. Watt and Heyward were the two guys who most often show up on these sorts of lists and despite both guys having down seasons in 2025, are in great positions to rebound in 2026 under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.
Finally we get center Zach Frazier at No. 75. The only center on this list ranked higher than Frazier is Creed Hunphrey and it really illustrates just how well Frazier played last season, even if others weren't paying attention.
4 months ago
Former Alabama cornerback Pat Surtain ll has been nothing short of elite over the first five seasons of his NFL career.
The cornerback was a star during his time at Alabama as well. Surtain was originally selected by the Denver Broncos with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, and the defensive back has cemented himself as a top player at his position over the past five seasons.
That thought has been echoed by a number of executives, coaches, and scouts across the NFL, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently polling multiple across the league to see who they felt was the top player at each position. The former Alabama star ranked No. 1 among cornerbacks entering the 2026 season.
“Surtain held a convincing grip on the process, eliciting more than 75% of the first-place votes.” Fowler wrote. “Surtain is the prototype, with the ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 202 pounds), lateral agility, downfield speed and instincts. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year missed three games due to a shoulder injury in 2025 but still deflected 12 passes.”
Now a star with the Broncos, the former Alabama defensive back played an essential role on the Tide’s defense from 2018-20, and Surtain was nothing short of a star throughout Alabama’s national championship run in 2020.
The cornerback was a star during his time at Alabama as well. Surtain was originally selected by the Denver Broncos with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, and the defensive back has cemented himself as a top player at his position over the past five seasons.
That thought has been echoed by a number of executives, coaches, and scouts across the NFL, with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently polling multiple across the league to see who they felt was the top player at each position. The former Alabama star ranked No. 1 among cornerbacks entering the 2026 season.
“Surtain held a convincing grip on the process, eliciting more than 75% of the first-place votes.” Fowler wrote. “Surtain is the prototype, with the ideal combination of size (6-foot-2, 202 pounds), lateral agility, downfield speed and instincts. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year missed three games due to a shoulder injury in 2025 but still deflected 12 passes.”
Now a star with the Broncos, the former Alabama defensive back played an essential role on the Tide’s defense from 2018-20, and Surtain was nothing short of a star throughout Alabama’s national championship run in 2020.
4 months ago
Washington Commanders fans, who are the best cornerbacks in the NFL right now?
Well, ESPN surveyed NFL executives, scouts and coaches to help them rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. This annual rankings survey is now in its seventh edition.
What does this have to do with the Commanders? Well, actually more than you might originally think, much more. What? Surely none of the Commanders corners made the top 10, so what does this have to do with the Commanders? Well, the Commanders will face these very corners in several games this season.
Here is ESPN's top 10 cornerbacks.
1- Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos: Has certainly lived up to being the No. 9 overall 2021 draft pick.
Well, ESPN surveyed NFL executives, scouts and coaches to help them rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. This annual rankings survey is now in its seventh edition.
What does this have to do with the Commanders? Well, actually more than you might originally think, much more. What? Surely none of the Commanders corners made the top 10, so what does this have to do with the Commanders? Well, the Commanders will face these very corners in several games this season.
Here is ESPN's top 10 cornerbacks.
1- Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos: Has certainly lived up to being the No. 9 overall 2021 draft pick.
4 months ago
The Philadelphia Eagles invested heavily in rebuilding their secondary during the 2024 NFL Draft. Two years later, it's difficult to argue with the results.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently surveyed more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts to rank the league's top cornerbacks entering the 2026 season. Unsurprisingly, two Eagles landed on the list as Quinyon Mitchell checked in at No. 6, while Cooper DeJean rounded out the rankings at No. 10. Only Pat Surtain II, Derek Stingley, Christian Gonzales, Devon Witherspoon, and Trent McDuffie placed higher than Mitchell.
The Eagles waited more than two decades to spend a first-round pick on a cornerback before selecting Mitchell 22nd overall in 2024 (Lito Sheppard was the most recent before that). Seeing Mitchell blossom into what he has and seeing DeJean become an All-Pro himself is further validation of Howie Roseman's vision and great news for Philadelphia moving forward.
Mitchell's rise has been particularly impressive. The former Toledo Rockets standout has yet to record his first regular-season NFL interception. He does, however, have four spanning five postseason starts. League evaluators clearly aren't holding that against him, nor should they. According to Fowler's report, executives praised Mitchell's ability to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers while pointing to his consistency in coverage.
His first-team All-Pro selection and advanced metrics only reinforce the eye test, suggesting quarterbacks have found very little success throwing in his direction. As one veteran defensive coach told ESPN, Mitchell is a "sticky man-to-man guy" who continues to improve while remaining connected at the point of attack. DeJean's inclusion on the ranking comes for a different reason.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler recently surveyed more than 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts to rank the league's top cornerbacks entering the 2026 season. Unsurprisingly, two Eagles landed on the list as Quinyon Mitchell checked in at No. 6, while Cooper DeJean rounded out the rankings at No. 10. Only Pat Surtain II, Derek Stingley, Christian Gonzales, Devon Witherspoon, and Trent McDuffie placed higher than Mitchell.
The Eagles waited more than two decades to spend a first-round pick on a cornerback before selecting Mitchell 22nd overall in 2024 (Lito Sheppard was the most recent before that). Seeing Mitchell blossom into what he has and seeing DeJean become an All-Pro himself is further validation of Howie Roseman's vision and great news for Philadelphia moving forward.
Mitchell's rise has been particularly impressive. The former Toledo Rockets standout has yet to record his first regular-season NFL interception. He does, however, have four spanning five postseason starts. League evaluators clearly aren't holding that against him, nor should they. According to Fowler's report, executives praised Mitchell's ability to shadow opposing No. 1 receivers while pointing to his consistency in coverage.
His first-team All-Pro selection and advanced metrics only reinforce the eye test, suggesting quarterbacks have found very little success throwing in his direction. As one veteran defensive coach told ESPN, Mitchell is a "sticky man-to-man guy" who continues to improve while remaining connected at the point of attack. DeJean's inclusion on the ranking comes for a different reason.
4 months ago
Broncos' Pat Surtain called best CB in league by NFL coordinator: 'It's not close' originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos have one of the NFL's best defenses heading into the 2026 season, and it's a unit led by Pat Surtain II, one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
But, Surtain might not just be one of the best, he might actually be the best CB in the league right now. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year was voted as such in a recent poll of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
In this poll, one NFL coordinator didn't hold back in his belief of Surtain being the best CB in the NFL. He said, "It's not close," and Surtain is even a generational player.
"It's not close," one seasoned NFL coordinator said, "A generational player. Watch the AFC Championship Game. He was the best player on the field by far."
The Denver Broncos have one of the NFL's best defenses heading into the 2026 season, and it's a unit led by Pat Surtain II, one of the best cornerbacks in the league.
But, Surtain might not just be one of the best, he might actually be the best CB in the league right now. The 2024 Defensive Player of the Year was voted as such in a recent poll of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
In this poll, one NFL coordinator didn't hold back in his belief of Surtain being the best CB in the NFL. He said, "It's not close," and Surtain is even a generational player.
"It's not close," one seasoned NFL coordinator said, "A generational player. Watch the AFC Championship Game. He was the best player on the field by far."
4 months ago
Broncos could provide trade ****** ist to needy NFC North team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos could have the answer to a sudden need for the Detroit Lions.
Following his arrest last week on serious charges, the Lions made the decision on Monday to release cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Lions used their first-round pick to select Arnold in the 2024 NFL Draft and he was about to enter his third season with the team.
Now thin at that position, the Lions could look for a team with a surplus, and the Broncos have that.
Pat Surtain II remains the best cornerback in the league, but the supporting cast behind him is highly underrated, led by Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian. Last season, the Broncos used their first-round pick on Jahdae Barron out of Texas, but he played sparingly, and with as well as McMillian played as the team's nickel corner, there is a good chance Barron won't see much more playing time in 2026.
The Denver Broncos could have the answer to a sudden need for the Detroit Lions.
Following his arrest last week on serious charges, the Lions made the decision on Monday to release cornerback Terrion Arnold. The Lions used their first-round pick to select Arnold in the 2024 NFL Draft and he was about to enter his third season with the team.
Now thin at that position, the Lions could look for a team with a surplus, and the Broncos have that.
Pat Surtain II remains the best cornerback in the league, but the supporting cast behind him is highly underrated, led by Riley Moss and Ja'Quan McMillian. Last season, the Broncos used their first-round pick on Jahdae Barron out of Texas, but he played sparingly, and with as well as McMillian played as the team's nickel corner, there is a good chance Barron won't see much more playing time in 2026.
5 months ago
Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at sixth-year wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, No. 17.
Before the Broncos: Waddle (5-10, 185) began his career as a member of the Miami Dolphins, selected three spots ahead of All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. Waddle became a focal point of the high-powered Dolphins offense under head coach Mike McDaniel, a speedy option alongside Tyreek Hill in a loaded wide receiver room. In 78 games over five seasons with Miami, Waddle caught 373 passes for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. Ahead of the 2026 season, Waddle was acquired in a blockbuster trade by the Denver Broncos.
Broncos tenure: Although he hasn't yet played a snap in a Broncos uniform, Waddle has wasted no time in integrating himself with the team. Waddle has been seen wearing Broncos gear on several different occasions and going out with team officials, including quarterback Bo Nix. Teammates and coaches have also embraced his arrival, performing Waddle's signature touchdown waddle celebration.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: As good as the chances of a hurricane in Florida. Waddle will bring a different dimension to the Broncos' offense, which it has lacked in the past. Waddle's addition will open up lanes for Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant and others, and allow him to be an electric playmaker himself. Fans may see Waddle become a reliable WR2 for Nix. Waddle will be a player to watch in the upcoming season, no matter where he lines up on the field.
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Before the Broncos: Waddle (5-10, 185) began his career as a member of the Miami Dolphins, selected three spots ahead of All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. Waddle became a focal point of the high-powered Dolphins offense under head coach Mike McDaniel, a speedy option alongside Tyreek Hill in a loaded wide receiver room. In 78 games over five seasons with Miami, Waddle caught 373 passes for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. Ahead of the 2026 season, Waddle was acquired in a blockbuster trade by the Denver Broncos.
Broncos tenure: Although he hasn't yet played a snap in a Broncos uniform, Waddle has wasted no time in integrating himself with the team. Waddle has been seen wearing Broncos gear on several different occasions and going out with team officials, including quarterback Bo Nix. Teammates and coaches have also embraced his arrival, performing Waddle's signature touchdown waddle celebration.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: As good as the chances of a hurricane in Florida. Waddle will bring a different dimension to the Broncos' offense, which it has lacked in the past. Waddle's addition will open up lanes for Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant and others, and allow him to be an electric playmaker himself. Fans may see Waddle become a reliable WR2 for Nix. Waddle will be a player to watch in the upcoming season, no matter where he lines up on the field.
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5 months ago
Former FSU Seminoles football commit cornerback Bryce Williams has found his new home, committing to the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday, according to Zach Blostein of 247Sports.
Williams is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and committed to the Seminoles back on April 1, 2025, after the Seminoles issued him a scholarship in February of 2025. While they fought to hold onto his recruitment, the four-star prospect ultimately decommitted from FSU on Dec. 9, 2025, shortly after they fired defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain.
He is ranked as the No. 315 overall player and No. 36 cornerback in the 247Sports composite. He is also the No. 27 player from Florida.
FSU has had four players decommit from their 2027 recruiting class after back-to-back poor seasons on the field. Four-star cornerback Jaylen Scott flipped to the Auburn Tigers but is now committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, Mekhi Williams flipped to the Wisconsin Badgers, and three-star wide receiver Kaneilius Purdy committed to the UCF Knights.
FSU's 2027 recruiting class has seven commitments, with just two four-star prospects committed. The Seminoles will have a chance to add to the group over the next few weeks as they host several top targets on official visits.
Williams is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and committed to the Seminoles back on April 1, 2025, after the Seminoles issued him a scholarship in February of 2025. While they fought to hold onto his recruitment, the four-star prospect ultimately decommitted from FSU on Dec. 9, 2025, shortly after they fired defensive backs coach Patrick Surtain.
He is ranked as the No. 315 overall player and No. 36 cornerback in the 247Sports composite. He is also the No. 27 player from Florida.
FSU has had four players decommit from their 2027 recruiting class after back-to-back poor seasons on the field. Four-star cornerback Jaylen Scott flipped to the Auburn Tigers but is now committed to the Oklahoma Sooners, Mekhi Williams flipped to the Wisconsin Badgers, and three-star wide receiver Kaneilius Purdy committed to the UCF Knights.
FSU's 2027 recruiting class has seven commitments, with just two four-star prospects committed. The Seminoles will have a chance to add to the group over the next few weeks as they host several top targets on official visits.
