Following an adjusted contract for star CB Pat Surtain, the latest Riley Moss trade rumors could ignite at some point this summer. According to sources, the Denver Broncos have given Surtain a $5 million raise, and if he excels this 2026 season, he could match the same number. Surtain, a former first-round pick, has been one of the most spectacular defenders in the league, but it could complicate the future of Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian. While there isn’t anything to worry about this upcoming season, they need to decide on what they will do after.
The former third-round pick is entering the final year of his contract. The fact that they gave Surtain a raise instead of discussing a long-term deal for their other star CB might be concerning. McMillian is also due for an extension, but it wouldn’t make sense to have three highly-paid CBs on one roster, depending on what the priority is for Denver. It wasn’t like Surtain was bound to hold out, which was more of a head scratcher of where the Broncos are heading.
Maybe they could’ve saved that money to extend their other CBs that are still looking for the right deal. Earlier this offseason, the Broncos traded for WR Jaylen Waddle while under an expensive deal.
Riley Moss Trade: Pat Surtain $10M Pay Bump May Force Move
Either way, the Broncos have time, but for how long? The price will continue to climb the longer the Broncos wait. This isn’t to say Moss will request a trade, but he could move on to a new team if it means getting paid what he’s deserved. Last year, the CB hauled in 57 solo tackles and one sack.
While he hasn’t put up exciting numbers, one can only imagine what he could do if he had a starting spot with another team. Here are three teams that could be calling for the CB if the Broncos are open to the trade idea, but for the right price.
Potential Trade Partners
Carolina Panthers
The offseason when upgrading the Panthers defense has been one of the sweetest. The team acquired pass-rushers Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, which means this roster is on the rise. Despite the team extending the contracts of Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn, they could use another CB to shore up the secondary. While they’ve been able to strengthen the safety unit, signing Tre’Von Moehrig last offseason, Moss could be the last piece of the puzzle.
The Panthers could be in line to compete in the postseason for several seasons to come as long as they have one of the brightest defenses. Horn and Jackson are great, but one can imagine what this secondary could be when elevated to their max potential.
Chicago Bears
It has been a brutal offseason for the Bears after the team lost five defensive backs, including C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jaquan Brisker. The team has slowly tried to strengthen its unit, drafting Malik Muhammad and adding a versatile Cam Lewis. Unfortunately, it isn’t enough for a team’s secondary that was explosive last season. QB Caleb Williams had plenty of opportunities due to the rise of this team’s potential in the cornerback unit, since they’ve done well at turning the ball over.
Now, the Bears have to get creative here. A Riley Moss trade for the Bears won’t be the final stop for this team, but they’d definitely have some decent noise to help Jaylon Johnson, who’s struggled to stay healthy.
Los Angeles Rams
Despite adding Jaylen Watson in free agency and trading for Trent McDuffie, the Rams could benefit from more CB depth. After acquiring Myles Garrett as well this offseason, who’s to say that the Rams getting after Moss won’t be possible? Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is the current backup in this talented secondary, and he’s struggled even as a situational contributor. If they can sneak in this trade, while bringing Aaron Donald out of retirement, you might as well call them Super Bowl champions.
