The Denver Broncos had a strong defensive pass front in 2025 and defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers was largely responsible for that.
The Denver Broncos defense had yet another incredible and dominant season, with the defensive line/pass-rush deserving a lot of the credit.
The Broncos' pass-rush generated 68 sacks, the most of any team by far in the National Football League this past season, but changes are expected to be made as we approach the opening of free agency.
Several Broncos defenders are likely to leave for new teams this offseason, including defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. Franklin-Myers had a great season up front for Denver, racking up a career-high 7.5 sacks, 25 total tackles and 15 knockdowns across 16 games in 2025.
It was his second solid season with the Broncos, as he posted seven sacks and 40 total tackles (18 solo) in 17 games during the 2024 season. Franklin-Myers has been a strong presence in Denver after the New York Jets dumped his salary onto the team following a solid four-year stint that ended on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft.
He played so well in Denver that he stands alone as the best defensive tackle in free agency, an accomplishment that is likely to land himself a large payday in the coming weeks.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that Franklin-Myers has been associated with a $20 million price tag, and it seems as though the Broncos aren’t going to be willing to approach that considering the depth it has on the defensive line.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes a lot of teams will be interested in the 29-year-old despite his age, with one team in particular creating space for him following a recent trade.
“Franklin-Myers should reach free agency, and even as he approaches 30, the veteran should have no shortage of interested options,” Barnwell wrote Monday. “He will not be the focal point of your defensive line, but Franklin-Myers is an underrated interior rusher, overwhelming guards when he's given one-on-one opportunities. The [T’Vondre] Sweat trade might have opened an opportunity for him on the interior with the [Tennessee] Titans.”
The Titans have the most salary cap space in the NFL, with nearly $95 million available, and Franklin-Myers would serve as a great replacement for Sweat on the interior defensive line.
Sweat and standout DT Jeffery Simmons formed a terrific run-stopping duo in Tennessee, the bright spot of the defense, and Franklin-Myers isn’t a slouch in that department either.
His versatility allows him to be effective in multiple roles, and he will be a hot commodity to multiple teams.
Denver does have internal replacements in DTs Malcolm Roach, Eyioma Uwazurike and Sai’vion Jones in the likely scenario that Franklin-Myers isn’t re-signed.