A top-ranked defensive lineman's stellar performance positions him for a lucrative free agency. Will Denver secure this critical pass-rushing force?
The Denver Broncos have their sights on the Wild Card round of the playoffs this weekend, as it’ll determine who they match up against in the divisional round next week. With a 14-3 record in 2025, the Broncos more than deserved the No. 1 seed in the AFC and the bye week that comes with such a title.
Still, it’s never too early to look into the future of the team after a hugely successful season. One of the biggest storylines of this offseason for the Broncos will be the looming free agency of defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. He’s ranked at No. 5 on Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report’s NFL free agency big board.
Franklin-Myers has been with Denver for two seasons now, totaling 14.5 sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 33 QB hits. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, Franklin-Myers found his home in Denver after stints in LA and with the New York Jets. He’s excelled in Denver, becoming a key piece of the dominant defensive line that has haunted opposing teams for the last couple of seasons.
He may not be the biggest or most well-known name hitting free agency this offseason, but he’s sure to get a lot of attention from interested teams. The 29-year-old has proven his versatility on the defensive line, spending time both as a tackle and on the edge. His ability to play multiple roles and disrupt opponents will earn him one of the biggest contracts given out this offseason.
Knox predicted Franklin-Myers' contract to be three-years, $44 million. It’s a hefty contract, but the Broncos still have a decent amount of cap space despite their league-leading record. With over $45 million available to spend this offseason, bringing back Franklin-Myers should be a priority for Denver.
Retaining a defensive line of Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Jonathon Cooper, and Franklin-Myers is sure to place the Denver defense in elite conversations once again in 2026. There have been times in 2025 when the Broncos’ defense didn’t quite live up to its elite expectations, but they still were one of the best in the league.
Denver ranked second in yards allowed per game, second in rushing yards allowed per game, and third in points allowed. Franklin-Myers was a top contributor for Denver on its way to a league-leading 68 sacks in 2025, enough for the fifth most by any team in NFL history. They’ll have many challengers vying for the talents of Franklin-Myers, but the Broncos absolutely need to ensure he won’t be playing in another uniform in 2026.