Even if the Denver Broncos don’t want to pay Riley Moss, it’s almost a certainty someone else will.
The question the Broncos have to ask themselves now, headed into the final year of Moss’ rookie contract in 2026, is if they think 2025 first round pick Jahdae Barron is ready to take over for Moss at the starting outside cornerback spot opposite Patrick Surtain II.
If the answer to the question about Barron is a resounding “YES” then it might be time to find a trade partner for Moss and get some draft capital — or a possible starter — back in return.
Trade Pitch Sends Moss to NFC Playoff Team
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine put Moss at the top of a list of trade targets for the San Francisco 49ers headed into what should be an active offseason for both teams.
Moss wound up as a trade target for 3 different teams on Ballentine’s list, with the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers also possible destinations.
The 49ers would seem like the best fit for Moss, giving him a fresh start after 3 bravura seasons in Denver to start his career, including the last 2 years as the full-time starter.
“The secondary was a problem for San Francisco all season,” Ballentine wrote. “Deommodore Lenoir could be a trade candidate and the Niners will need to bring in new talent. Riley Moss has been good for the Broncos, but it’s unclear if they’ll want to sign him to a lucrative extension when they just drafted Jahdae Barron.”
Moss Most Likely Bronco Up For Trade
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti put Moss at the top of the list of trade candidates for the Broncos this offseason following their 10-7 loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
“Moss started all 17 games in 2025, and has now put together back-to-back strong seasons, especially as it pertains to stopping the running game,” Ginnitti wrote. “However it stands to reason that 2025 1st-round pick Jahdae Barron will be ready to step into his role going forward, putting Moss — who is entering a contract year in 2026 — on the outside looking in.”
Playing opposite Surtain is a thankless task few would be up for, but Moss has continually shined in. His true value was on display when Surtain missed 3 games during the 2025 season with an injury to his pectoral muscle — a stretch in which Moss was pushed into the CB1 role and the Broncos went 3-0.
If the Broncos do trade Moss, the smartest thing to do would be to make sure he ends up in the NFC. It would be a nightmare to see him wind up on another AFC team and get a chance to come back and hurt the Broncos.
Barron Doesn’t Seem Ready to Become Starter
Trading Moss won’t fix the bigger problem with Barron, who looked completely lost as the Broncos tried to shoehorn him into the lineup at slot cornerback only to see him continually outplayed by an undrafted free agent in Ja’Quan McMillian, who made the defensive play of the year with his overtime interception against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round.
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz singled Barron out as Denver’s “Biggest Weakness” headed into the postseason, and specifically in regard to how Barron has struggled in his role as a nickelback covering slot wide receivers.
Trade Pitch Sends Broncos CB Riley Moss to NFC Playoff Team