In 2024, Surtain became the third cornerback this century to be named Defensive Player of the Year, and Next Gen Stats metrics backed up his otherworldly performance. He never allowed more than 44 yards in a game last season despite facing a slate of stars that included Ja’Marr Chase, DK Metcalf, Mike Evans and Garrett Wilson, on 20+ routes each. 

Surtain continued that tremendous play in 2025 up until the pectoral injury he sustained in Week 9, which makes his availability week to week. Prior to that injury, Surtain had not surrendered a touchdown in coverage or allowed a single reception beyond 12 air yards. His greatest impact might be his ability to repel targets from coming to his area of the field. Since the start of last season, he has faced just a 10.4% target rate, sixth-lowest among 116 corners with 300+ coverage snaps, despite matching up with No. 1 receivers on a league-high 261 routes in that span. On the rare occasion the ball does come his way, he makes life difficult on pass catchers. This season, Surtain has forced a tight window on 51.5% of targets, second in the league (min. 20 targets), and has made a play on the ball nine times (26.5%), the third-highest rate. Unfortunately, it appears the Broncos and their fifth-ranked defense might have to navigate life without the NFL’s best cornerback for a while.Â