For a few months, an offseason off the field situation for Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold laid dormant to a point it felt like it could be over in terms of potential legal consequences. But his recent arrest on multiple felony charges turned things up an uncomfortable notch, and cast all kinds of doubt over his future and what the team's next move will be.
In a broad sense, the Lions seem to have ample cornerback depth. But counting on rookie Keith Abney II in a big immediate role feels unideal, and Arnold's draft classmate Ennis Rakestraw has to show he can stay on the field. So it's D.J. Reed, who missed six games last season, Rock Ya-Sin (who might've taken Arnold's starting job anyway) and Roger McCreary followed by some question marks on that depth chart right now.
In the wake of the immediate uncertainty around Arnold, with plenty to be determined as of this writing, Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports offered a potential trade target that would have Dan Campbell leaning on his strongest relationship in the coaching world.
Within a premise of potential training camp cut candidates who might have trade value instead, FanSided's Wynston Wilcox offered a different potential trade target who happens to be along that same line.
Lions may have another potential trade target if Terrion Arnold situation puts them in the CB market
While Payton offered Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss as a potential trade target if Arnold is out of the mix, Wilcox went another direction in the Broncos' cornerback room without naming the the Lions as a team who could have interest.
"Ja’Quan McMillian is probably the one player the Denver Broncos would love to keep. He had a phenomenal 2025 season, forcing two fumbles, snagging two interceptions and defending nine passes. The Broncos probably won’t release him, despite his intriguing $5.7 million cap hit. He’s way too valuable."
"The only way they move on from him is if they decide second-year player Jahdae Barron has exceeded his strong rookie season. Barron had an interception and five defended passes last year. McMillian could get a solid return if the Broncos decide to go that route."
READ MORE: The Lions have an opportunity to shock the NFL with one major accomplishment in 2026
As Wilcox noted, McMillian had an excellent 2025 campaign, filling the stat sheet across the board (56 total tackles, two interceptions, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, four sacks) while primarily playing in the slot. He was also Pro Football Focus' fourth-highest graded cornerback overall, with top-10 coverage and pass rush grades among his peers.
By a couple measures (81 total tackles, 10 pass breakups), McMillan's 2024 season was better than last year.
Even if Jahdae Barron looks ready to take on a bigger role, it's safe to assert the Broncos won't easily entertain trading McMillian. They could also render the entire idea of trading him moot with a contract extension before the season starts. That would also make their choice between he and Moss, who are both entering a contract year, crystal clear.
Campbell and Brad Holmes have likely started to survey possible options to fill a cornerback void if Arnold ends up out of the mix. If McMillian isn't already somewhere on the list, he should be.
Add us as a preferred source on Google