Broncos predicted to lose 11.5 sack defensive lineman in free agency

Charlie Baduini

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Broncos predicted to lose 11.5 sack defensive lineman in free agency image

The Denver Broncos can thank their defense for one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now. They've won seven games in a row off the backs of a ferocious pass rush and lock-down coverage on the back end.

But at season's end, could they lose some key pieces to that vaunted defensive front?

ESPN seems to think so, and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who has been a mainstay over the last two years, could be on his way out after his contract expired.

ESPN names John Frankli-Myers as 13th-best impending free agent

Analysts Matt Bown and Jeremy Fowler ranked the best impending free agents, and Franklin-Myers was listed at 13, but also predicted to be playing elsewhere in 2026.

"Having paid several key defensive players in the past year, the Broncos know they very well could lose Franklin-Myers to free agency," wrote Fowler.

"Inside rushers -- 3-4 defensive ends or defensive tackles -- with pass-rush ability get paid, and Franklin-Myers has 11.5 sacks since joining Denver via trade from New York in 2024."

JFM was traded from the New York Jets to the Broncos during the 2024 NFL Draft, fetching New York a 2026 sixth-round pick.

It's fair to say the trade was a disaster for the Jets; their defense dropped from third in the league in terms of EPA/play to 21st from '23 to '24.

Franklin-Myers wasn't the sole reason for the steep drop-off, but it certainly weakened their defensive front.

The former Los Angeles Ram has been looking for a contract extension since landing with Denver, but he has yet to receive it. It's more likely Franklin-Myers gets his next deal from another team, and the productive defensive lineman will be suiting up elsewhere in 2026.

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Staff Writer