Bo Nix continues to ramp up his football-related activity.
The Broncos quarterback ran Denver’s walkthrough Thursday, head coach Sean Payton said, though Nix did not participate in the bulk of practice open to reporters.
The third-year quarterback is on the mend from a second procedure on his right ankle, conducted in late April. Nix originally fractured his ankle in late January at the end of a postseason win over the Buffalo Bills.
Nix for the second straight week watched most of practice in tennis shoes and a hoodie, but Payton himself said the 26-year-old had done more work before practice. He also said Nix remains on track to participate in some capacity in next week’s mandatory minicamp and that he doesn’t expect any drop-off in Nix’s ability or willingness to take off and run when he returns.
“He’s going to be, like, completely clean mobility-wise,” Payton said. “He was out here today going through two-minute reps, walk-through reps. He’s young and one of his great assets is to avoid sacks and escape from the pocket.
“I don’t think you’ll see that hindered at all.”
Ja’Quan McMillian ‘has all the things you’re looking for’
The Broncos have not yet had detailed conversations with nickel Ja’Quan McMillian and his agent, Deryk Gilmore, about a potential long-term contract extension.
Sources made that clear Wednesday after a report briefly circulated and was then amended, suggesting that those conversations were underway.
Denver typically has done contract extensions with players before or during training camp, around the club’s bye week or early in the offseason, so a lack of detailed talks in June is no real surprise.
Head coach Sean Payton said Thursday, though, that the 5-foot-10 nickel is the type of player Denver wants in its building for years to come.
“Absolutely. Listen, he’s got all the things you’re looking for,” Payton said. “When I say grit, chip on the shoulder. The ball finds him. We keep talking about taking it away and, man, we forget Buffalo on the road, Monday night in 2023. First series of the ground, ball’s out. He’s causing a fumble.
“He’s just around it all. And thatap not just good fortune. Thatap a skill set.”
McMillian has blossomed from an undrafted rookie in 2022 to one of the best slot men in football. The Broncos put a second-round restricted free agent tender on him this spring, meaning he’s set to make $5.7 million. The top of the nickel market ranges from $13 million to $18 million, depending on exactly how the position is defined. Cornerback Riley Moss, another quality starter, is also entering the final year of his contract and Denver also has 2025 first-rounder Jahdae Barron waiting in the wings, setting up a series of decisions to be made in the secondary over the coming nine months.
“(McMillian) is so focused and preparing to play and play well,” Payton said. “I’m sure he’ll compartmentalize that and it will take care of itself very well.”
