The Denver Broncos have a list of in-house free agents to make some tough decisions on this offseason and if John Franklin-Myers was likely to stay in the Mile High City, he would be No. 1 on that list. However, with back-to-back solid seasons in Denver following being traded there in the 2024 draft, JFM has likely priced himself out of the Broncos' range.
The Broncos would love to be able to find a way to keep him, but they would likely have to pull several strings to make that happen. The team would have to replace a player who has been stout against the run while also registering 14.5 sacks across the past two seasons.
There will likely be several teams looking to bolster their defensive front by adding him through free agency, and Alex Kay of Bleacher Report feels that the best place for him would be as a member of the Chicago Bears.
"John Franklin-Myers has been one of the most consistent contributors on a number of strong defenses during his seven NFL seasons. He's flown under the radar for a majority of his career but finally has a chance to cash in with a big contract this offseason.
Franklin-Myers is one of the best in the business at generating pressure from the interior of the defensive trenches. He's truly shined in that department during his tenure with the Denver Broncos, amassing a hefty 14.5 sacks since the start of the 2024 season.
Although he's not the biggest defensive lineman at 6'4", 288 pounds, he's athletic, powerful and quick. He's versatile enough to play anywhere along the d-line, a trait that will make him a popular free-agent target this offseason.
While staying with Vance Joseph in the Mile High City wouldn't be a bad option for Franklin-Myers, landing with the Chicago Bears could be an even better career move for the 29-year-old.
Chicago struggled to get pressure on opposing signal-callers this past season, accumulating a middling 35 sacks in total. The team also ranked in the bottom half of the league in both rush and pass defense, an issue that Franklin-Myers can help shore up with his steady presence in the defensive trenches", wrote Kay.
John Franklin-Myers will have a chance to cash in this offseason
Franklin-Myers will turn 30 years old in September, so this could be his last chance to get a big payday as a professional. Spotrac estimates a deal for him this offseason to be worth $7.9 million but Kay projects him to do even better, getting a three-year deal worth $43 million, or about $14.1 million per year, more than twice Spotrac's prediction.
The Broncos may have to pivot to second-year player Sai'vion Jones, who they traded back into the third round last year to select, to replace Franklin-Myers in the starting lineup. However, Jones was scarcely seen last season and may not be ready.
If not, Eyioma Uwazurike or Jordan Jackson could get the chance to crack the starting lineup. Matt Henningsen, who missed the entire 2025 season, will be back as well. However, none of those options seem like a good choice to recreate the kind of production that Franklin-Myers was putting out, so the Broncos may have to look to the draft for reinforcements.
More Broncos Content
Broncos already have common first-round target emerging through mock drafts
Broncos bring free-agent wide receiver back into the fold
Broncos' best fit at running back in free agency named (and it may not be who you think)
Could Broncos' top free agents follow former coach to new team in 2026?
Broncos' Jonathon Cooper predicted to be 'dream' trade for NFC South team