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John Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after sacking Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Denver Broncos are in an interesting spot, poised to add one or more veteran impact players, but coming off a season that would suggest running it back with the same roster in hopes of keeping quarterback Bo Nix healthy this time around also seems prudent.
One former Broncos player has offered a counterargument to the team’s perceived stance on two players in particular.
Their decision will have a ripple effect for years to come.
Former Broncos OL Speaks Against Expected Roster Moves
GettyJohn Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos on field against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Despite the Broncos’ financial stability, they appear primed to part ways with at least two starters in pending free agents Alex Singleton and John Franklin-Myers. Singleton has been with the Broncos since 2022, while Franklin-Myers just wrapped his second season in Denver.
Both players have been vocal about wanting to return.
They have also understood that the business side of the NFL is real. Still, former NFL offensive linemen Tyler Polumbus argued that the decision is not financial.
“Broncos don’t appear motivated to bring Jonathan Franklin-Myers back but they have plenty of cap space to bring him, Alex Singleton, and anyone else back,” the 2015 Super Bowl champion and “Polumbus, Hastings and DMac” host posted on X on February 12.
“Team could jump from $28M to $70M+ in cap space just by restructuring a few deals. That’s more than enough money to do whatever they want.
Polumbus urged the Broncos to “Bring JFM and Singleton back and spend the rest on offense.”
According to Over The Cap, the Broncos have $28.8 million. However, Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti suggested six moves that could get free up another $58 million to work with in an article from January.
Whether that will be enough to bring Franklin-Myers and/or Singleton back depends as much on what other teams might be willing to pay as much as what the Broncos have planned.
Alex Singleton & John Franklin-Myers Due New Deals
GettyAlex Singleton #49 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Franklin-Myers is expected to be an attractive potential addition to a team’s roster if the Broncos let him hit free agency and get away. He has been one of the best interior pass rushers throughout his career, and has helped the Broncos lead the league in sacks two years running.
Spotrac projected Franklin-Myers could earn up to $7.9 million annually on his next deal, offering a two-year, $15.7 million contract as an example pact.
The cap site projected $4.7 million annually and a two-year, $9.3 million contract for Singleton.
The Broncos could cover both deals in full and still have wiggle room if they followed Polumbus’ advice and got Franklin-Myers and Singleton at the projected price point. What the Broncos could, should, and will do can all be different, though.
They are better prepared to replace Franklin-Myers, having drafted Sai’vion Jones in 2025 and extending starter Zach Allen last August.
In addition to Singleton, spot-starter and fellow linebacker Justin Strnad is also a free agent.
Moreover, Dre Greenlaw is under contract through 2027, but played in eight games this past season as his extensive injury history grew. The Broncos are otherwise unproven and thin on their roster at the position heading into the offseason.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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