Entering the second phase of the NFL offseason, there were two needs for the Denver Broncos to address either in free agency, a trade, or the NFL Draft.
They've already resolved one such missing piece, adding Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins. But now, they have one key missing position they have to fix this offseason, and it's thanks to a free agent departing for a $63 million payday.
ESPN's Bill Barnwell identified the Broncos' biggest missing piece as an interior defensive lineman, as the John Franklin-Myers departure for the Tennessee Titans has left a huge hole at the position this offseason.
Broncos' biggest missing piece is interior DL
"What's missing: Interior defensive linemen," Barnwell writes. "The Broncos can expand roles for some of their many talented linemen up front... But losing Franklin-Myers, who had 14.5 sacks and 33 knockdowns over his two years in Denver, will be a significant hit for the Broncos on the D-line."
Denver's defense is still one of the best in the NFL, and its defensive line isn't in a bad spot either. Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, Malcolm Roach, and Eyioma Uwazurike make up a decent interior defensive lineman room.
But the departure of Franklin-Myers for the Titans is a massive piece of the defense that needs to be filled at some point this offseason.
More: John Franklin-Myers to sign with Titans on $63 million contract
Whether it's in free agency, a trade, or a draft pick, the Broncos need to find a replacement for Franklin-Myers, even if they're far from being as impactful a player as he was in Denver.
The Broncos are a Super Bowl contender, and their addition of Waddle is a good start to some outside additions this offseason.
Now, Sean Payton and George Paton need to focus on defensive line help, and specifically interior pass rushers who can be a difference maker.
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