The Denver Broncos have built a tremendous defensive unit that is loaded with talent. But they won't be able to keep that group fully intact in 2026, mainly because that's just the nature of the business in the NFL.
The Broncos have one of the league's best defenses and that unit is the main reason many feel the team could contend for a Super Bowl this season. Pat Surtain II is the league's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Zach Allen has become one of the best defensive linemen in the game and Talanoa Hufanga has been an excellent free-agent signing.
That is just scratching the surface of how good this defense is and can be, but one of the team's unsung heroes may not be back in 2026.
The Broncos obtained John Franklin-Myers during the 2024 NFL Draft via trade with the New York Jets. The Jets were looking to clear some salary cap space and Franklin-Myers had been a marginal player for them to that point. They gave him away, sending him to Denver for a sixth-round pick.
He has been fantastic for the Broncos.
After posting seven sacks last season, he has another 4.5 this season. In addition to giving the team yet another option as a pass-rusher, he is also solid against the run. But therein lies the problem. He's been a bit too good and now, facing free agency after this season, will likely slide out of the Broncos' price range.
That isn't because the Broncos are cheap; it's because in today's NFL, you simply can't afford to pay everyone. Having already handed out several contract extensions this year, the Broncos may be admitting defeat when it comes to bringing back Franklin-Myers.
A good indicator of that was when the team traded back into the third round of the most recent NFL draft to select Sai'vion Jones.
Denver Broncos recent contract extensions
| Player | Position | Contract Length | Guaranteed Money | Potential Overall Money |
| Courtland Sutton | WR | 4 years | $41 million | $92 million |
| Nik Bonitto | Edge | 4 years | $70 million | $120 million |
| Zach Allen | DL | 4 years | $69.5 million | $102 million |
| Wil Lutz | K | 3 years | $9 million | $16.1 million |
| Luke Wattenberg | C | 4 years | $27 million | $48 million |
| Malcolm Roach | DL | 3 years | $14 million | $29.25 million |
Franklin-Myers understands the business of the NFL and understands that he may not be in Denver next year, but is ready to give it his all while he is, as he recently told 9News Broncos insider Mike Klis, in which he called his situation with the team 'disappointing'.
"I’ve been blessed to make money in this league and do my thing. When it comes, it comes. It’s disappointing. You see it, but I’m happy for all my teammates for changing their lives and their families' lives. But ultimately, I’m a football player, and I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to play with my teammates. And I’m happy to see them changing their families' lives. If I can do anything to help them, then I’m more than willing."
READ: 3 players who should get contract extensions from Broncos next
The Broncos would likely love to bring Franklin-Myers back into the fold next season but it's far more likely that another team with much more spending power will come in and offer the 29-year-old star the deal he has earned across the last two seasons. Hopefully, the Broncos can send him away a winner if that ends up being the case.
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