Riley Moss, the third-year cornerback for the Denver Broncos, has been a focal point of the team’s defense this season, especially in light of injured NFL Defensive Player Patrick Surtain II being sidelined for the last three games. Moss has stepped into the challenging role of guarding the opposing team’s top wide receiver, showcasing his skills under pressure. Despite facing the league’s No. 1 targets the last month, he has impressively managed to hold his ground.
Remarkably, through 11 games, Moss has not allowed a single touchdown while facing the league-high number of 43 man coverage targets, as highlighted by Mile High Huddle’s Zack Kelberman. This statistic places Moss in a unique category, as no other defender in the NFL has maintained such defensive prowess against comparable targets without conceding a score.
The Broncos, riding an impressive eight-game winning streak, now boast a 9-2 record as they prepare to face off against the Washington Commanders in Week 13. Moss’s performance has garnered both praise and scrutiny, particularly regarding a concerning statistic: he leads the league with seven defensive pass interference calls. Fellow teammate Surtain humorously addressed this issue, suggesting that Moss might be facing undue bias, joking about the high number of flags thrown against him.
Moss, drafted as the 83rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, is currently in the final season of a four-year, $5.44 million contract. With the Broncos actively seeking to secure their rising stars, speculations are circulating regarding a potential contract extension for Moss. Following the successful approach the Broncos took with Surtain—signing him to a lucrative extension before his contract was set to expire—there is hope that a similar deal could be reached for Moss. A proposed extension in the range of three years worth approximately $45 million could be on the horizon, reflecting the team’s commitment to building a strong defensive lineup for the future.
Overall, Moss’s ability to thrive in a demanding role showcases not only his individual talent but also indicates a promising future for both him and the Denver Broncos. As the team continues its pursuit of a successful season, the development of young players like Moss will be pivotal to their sustained success.