The Denver Broncos will have to work to keep the NFL’s No. 3 scoring and No. 7 total defense in 2024 together for the 2025 season. Part of that is figuring out contract situations for players like defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.
DNVR Broncos’ Zac Stevens posted, “Don’t forget” linebacker Nik Bonitto’s potential contract extension this offseason, and Franklin-Myers chimed in.
“Or JFM,” the former Los Angeles Rams fourth-round pick posted in response.
The Broncos acquired Franklin-Myers in a trade with the New York Jets in 2024. He is entering the final year of a two-year, $15 million contract after the Broncos reworked his four-year, $55 million deal after the trade.
Despite his impact and the Broncos’ investment in him, his future in Denver remains a source of intrigue.
John Franklin-Myers Faces Uncertain Future With Broncos
GettyNik Bonitto #15 and John Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos celebrate against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Even after his lack of playing time in 2024, Franklin-Myers’ production could attract trade suitors this offseason.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti projected the Broncos lineman as a trade candidate.
“The 28-year-old posted 40 tackles and 7 sacks in arguably his most productive NFL season to date. But the Broncos have identified a few studs on their D-Line/Edge, and both Zach Allen & Nik Bonitto are going to need new compensation in the coming months. Denver is likely to move on from Franklin-Myers this March one way or another,” Ginnitti wrote in February.
“It seems reasonable that they may be able to secure a draft pick for a 1 year, $8M contract ($1M of which is guaranteed).”
NFL.com’s Matt Okada listed Franklin-Myers as a potential salary cap casualty this offseason.
“The Broncos are right in the middle of the league in cap space and have a promising quarterback (Bo Nix) on his rookie contract, so they’re not in bad shape financially,” Okada wrote in February.
“If they want to make extra room — perhaps to acquire some weaponry for Nix — the first candidate for release would be John Franklin-Myers. Despite appearing in all 17 games (16 starts), Franklin-Myers played just 46 percent of defensive snaps. He still managed seven sacks and 18 QB hits on those snaps, which is a solid production rate, but he carries a $10 million cap hit in 2025 and can be released prior to June 1 for $7 million in savings. It’s not a necessary move by any means, but it’s a possible one, depending on Denver’s priorities.”
Broncos DE Projected to Command $25 Million Contract
GettyMalcolm Roach #97 and John Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos celebrate against the Baltimore Ravens.
Over The Cap projects the Broncos will have $40.8 million to spend before making any other moves this offseason. It would make sense for the Broncos to make an effort to keep Franklin-Myers since he played well, but also to attempt to lower his $10 million cap hit for 2025.
An extension could free up $4.9 million in additional space, while a trade would free up $8 million with $2 million in dead cap.
Spotrac projects Franklin-Myers to command a deal worth $25.5 million over two years.
That could ultimately be a bargain given Franklin-Myers’ positional versatility to play along the entire defensive line. However, the Broncos must weigh that investment against the others they may have planned for Allen, Bonitto, or free agency.
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