After being a no-show at OTA’s this year, the Denver Broncos could make defensive John Franklin Myers available for a trade before the 2025 regular season. According to Bleacher Report, they believe the Broncos could ship the defensive starter while the team has been salvaging the entire unit, and they have plenty of depth on the roster. After drafting Sai’vion Jones and giving DJ Jones a huge pay day, the Broncos might not have enough resources to compensate the next contract for Myers as he could have another productive season this upcoming campaign. Last year, the defensive lineman made huge strides, leading the team with a 17.8% pass-rush win rate and an 82.9 PFF pass-rushing grade.
Linebacker Nik Bonitto is also on an expiring deal, so that makes things very complicated for the Broncos, but it’s all about prioritizing their future. With that, it shouldn’t be a surprise if the Broncos start shopping Myers as he’s more than capable of being a starter for another team that is lacking depth in their trenches unit. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Stephen F. Austin product hasn’t been the most explosive defensive athlete for the first part of his career, but he does have a lot in the tank to be a rotating pass-rusher. While he won’t net the best investment in return for the Broncos, these three teams could trade for him if he becomes available.
Fantasy Football 2024 Busts
Dec 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) runs through the tackle of Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) and defensive end John Franklin-Myers (98) in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Breaking: Broncos Urged to Trade $15 Million Defensive Starter John Franklin Myers – 3 Logical Fits
Potential Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
Although a trade within the division is unlikely, the Los Angeles Chargers have all the money in the world to pull off a trade for Myers. Last season, the team’s defense was coming slowly together between Poona Ford and Morgan Fox, but the Chargers lost both of them this offseason. They’re hoping to find some life in Da’Shawn Hand, but it seems more like a “toss-up” prediction, rather than any confidence that he brings any talent to Los Angeles. Teair Tart is arguably the best interior lineman that the defensive line, so they need a massive upgrade to streamline this entire unit.
Meanwhile, Franklin-Myers offers a more favorable option for the Chargers. Nobody loves the trenches more than Jim Harbaugh, and Myers is the perfect replica of what he wants in a defensive guy. He can clog the lanes and open the gates for Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree to ram to get after the quarterback.
Baltimore Ravens
However, following Michael Pierce’s retirement, the Ravens need a legitimate defensive lineman. Nnamdi Madubuike is the only reliable option among Broderick Washington and Travis Jones. While the Ravens don’t have the cap space to facilitate Myers’ next contract, they could get him for at least that season to help salvage their defense. The team signed Yannick Ngakoue last year, and that shows that the Ravens need an immediate answer to get after the quarterback.
Myers might not be the most explosive interior lineman, but he’s better than Jones and Washington combined, which can finally bring some relief for Madubuike.
Washington Commanders
Despite signing Deatrich Wise Jr. to replace Dante Fowler Jr. after losing him, this might not be the final answer for Washington’s defense. The Commanders are one good move on defense to have a complete roster. However, the team signing Javon Kinlaw was a disappointment, but they could make up for it and trading for Myers to be an efficient pass-rusher alongside Dorance Armstrong.