The Denver Broncos were eliminated in the AFC Championship game by the New England Patriots, as the Bo Nix injury was too much to overcome.
But, while it was a disappointing loss, the defense played lights-out and held Drake Maye and the Patriots offense down in a big way. One of the key contributors was defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. But now, his future in Denver is uncertain.
Franklin-Myers is a free agent, and according to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Broncos got some bad news on the standout lineman’s chances of returning to Denver this offseason.
Broncos get bad news on John Franklin-Myers in free agency
“The 3-4 defensive end is the top interior rusher in free agency after posting 7.5 sacks at age 29,” Fowler writes. “The Broncos have extended several key players in recent months and would love to keep Franklin-Myers, but they might not be able to reach his price range given interest around the league.”
Even though the Broncos have interest in bringing Franklin-Myers back, the strong interest from around the league will likely drive his value up, pricing the Broncos out of his free agency.
They could splurge on his extension, but Denver has other needs, and could even address the defensive line in the NFL Draft if Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency.
More: Broncos’ list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
After a strong 2025 season for the Broncos, Franklin-Myers is now expected to leave the team, landing a big deal in free agency.
This isn’t all bad news for the Broncos, as a departing player like Franklin-Myers could land a strong compensatory pick in return for the Broncos in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Such a pick would likely be in the 4th or 5th round, which would somewhat make up for losing the standout lineman in free agency.
The 29-year-old was a key member of the defensive line, but Fowler’s report suggests that the Broncos will be losing Franklin-Myers to a new team this offseason, as the pricy market will have Denver’s front office pivoting elsewhere.
