New Denver Broncos defensive back Jahdae Barron comes from a storied program at Texas. There, he played with the Longhorns’ current quarterback, Arch Manning.
Manning, the potential No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 draft, comes from a line of quarterbacks, though his father, Cooper Manning, was a wide receiver. He is the nephew of Broncos (and Indianapolis Colts) icon Peyton Manning and New York Giants great Eli Manning.
He is also the grandson of ex-New Orleans Saints star Archie Manning.
Pictures of Manning in St. Louis made the rounds on social media on June 15, leading his former teammate and the Broncos’ rookie first-round pick to call him “Malibu’s Most Wanted.”
Barron’s comment is a reference to the 2003 film featuring Jamie Kennedy as aspiring rapper Brad “B-Rad” Gluckman. Kennedy’s character is also the son of a wealthy politician and gets kidnapped and held for ransom.
Manning has drawn similar attention before.
Barron has gone from playing with Manning to joining the Broncos, who already have their QB in Bo Nix. However, the ex-Longhorns teammates could face off on the field as soon as 2026.
Broncos Teammates Send Clear Messages on Jahdae Barron
GettyJahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns reacts after breaking up a pass against the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoffs.
New Broncos safety Talanoa Hufanga cited Barron’s draft night call with team brass, thanking them for helping to change his mother’s life, among the ways the youngster’s maturity shows.
“Learning a lot about him as we go. But one thing that kind of stood out to me is just his character, I think that goes a long way. I think for me, just seeing how mentally [prepared] and mature he was the right way when he showed up,” Hufanga told Bennie Fowler on the “DNVR Broncos Podcast” in May.
“You just don’t see that nowadays, you know what I mean? And everybody’s in it – could be in it for the wrong reasons, or they just want to get drafted. He was so respectful. A person that’s beyond his years for sure. And so for me, I’m just excited to work with somebody like that.”
“He’s definitely ahead of it for sure,” Hufanga said.
Hufanga’s comments were a precursor for what was to come once the Broncos hit the practice field in mandatory minicamp, where Pat Surtain II chimed in on Barron.
“He brings a lot of versatility towards the defense. He’s smart, savvy, he makes plays, and it’s a big addition on our team, because I know he will make plays,” Surtain told reporters on June 4. “He’s catching up there, so it’s a great addition towards our team.
Barron figures to slot in the nickel spot alongside Surtain and Riley Moss.
Broncos safety Brandon Jones also cited Barron’s smarts, noting his athleticism and eagerness to learn.
“Super smart; I would say that’s the first thing [that stands out], especially from a rookie. You always ask a lot of questions as a rookie, but he kind of asked the right questions. Very eager to learn. Super athletic, obviously. Representing Texas well; got to throw that in there,” Jones, a former Longhorn, told reporters on June 10. “He’s been a great addition, and I think he’s a kind of like a Swiss Army knife. He can kind of play anywhere. So, it gives the defense a lot of freedom.”
Jahdae Barron Contract Hiccup Delaying Plans
GettyJahdae Barron #7 of the Texas Longhorns reacts against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl.
Barron is one of three first-round picks who remain unsigned as the Broncos and the other 31 teams enter the summer break before training camp.
He joins No. 2 pick Travis Hunter of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Shemar Turner, pick No. 17. Rookie contracts are slotted, with Barron headed for a four-year, $18 million contract.
However, he cannot deliver on his vow to change his mother’s life, buying her a house, yet.
“That takes some time, but I have some people on it,” Barron said, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on X on June 13. “But it’s no rush. She knows it’s coming.”
The issue in these situations is often language. Barron’s comments suggest he and the Broncos are in far better standing than they could be, with the Bengals and Stewart’s ongoing stalemate a source of intrigue.
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