The Denver Broncos are looking to bolster their offense this offseason. While they have plenty of money to make things work, especially with Russell Wilson's dead cap hit finally off the books, the Broncos still need to be careful about their spending.
But, while the focus is on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, there is still room for additions on defense. More importantly, there could also be some subtractions.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Broncos got some bittersweet news on defensive line free agent John Franklin-Myers. The veteran defensive end received a $20 million contract update, as one that's both good and bad news for Denver.
Broncos get both good and bad news on John Franklin-Myers
"Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker and Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers could get a lot of interest," Fowler reports. "Both have been attached to the $20 million threshold in conversations. ... Franklin-Myers' floor is already pretty high."
The Broncos getting this $20 million contract projection on Franklin-Myers is big news. With the 29-year-old set to make so much money this offseason, the Broncos are in an odd spot.
If they try to bring him back, it's going to cost a lot to do it, and it won't be easy. This $20 million projection, which might be his floor, could spell bad news for the Broncos.
After posting 7.5 sacks in 2025 and 7.0 the year before, Franklin-Myers is one of the more appealing defensive ends in this year's free agent class. He's going to draw serious interest, as this report from Fowler indicates.
More: Best fit for Broncos' John Franklin-Myers predicted to be with NFC North champs
But, taken a different way, this $20 million-plus contract report from Fowler is great news for the Broncos. If he's slated to earn so much in free agency, the Broncos will surely land a strong compensatory pick next offseason.
Losing free agents isn't ever easy, but if letting Franklin-Myers walk for a deal above $20 million, as Fowler's report indicates is the likelihood, then the Broncos could land a third-round compensatory pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. At worst, it would be a fourth-rounder.
This update from Fowler on Franklin-Myers is a bittersweet one. On one hand, re-signing the veteran lineman will be very difficult, while on the other side, this update is great news for a high compensatory draft pick in 2027.
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