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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: John Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after sacking Geno Smith #7 of the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium on December 07, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers is projected to land one of the biggest contracts of the 2026 NFL free-agent class.
Pro Football Focus has forecasted a three-year, $45 million deal as teams line up for one of the top interior pass rushers set to hit the open market.
Franklin-Myers is scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency next month.
He has emerged as a premier option in a defensive line market lacking true cornerstone players.
PFF analyst Mason Cameron highlighted the unique value Franklin-Myers brings at a time when impact interior defenders are scarce.
“The market on the defensive interior lacks a true franchise cornerstone this cycle,” Cameron wrote.
“One such player to watch among the list is John Franklin-Myers, who has produced well during his time with the New York Jets and Denver Broncos.”
According to PFF, Franklin-Myers ranked in the 96th percentile among interior defenders in both pass-rush grade (78.4) and pass-rush win rate (15.1) over the past two seasons.
Will the Broncos bring back John Franklin-Myers?
Acquired by Denver in a 2024 trade with the Jets, Franklin-Myers quickly became a key piece of the Broncos’ defensive front.
Over 33 appearances with Denver, the 29-year-old recorded 14.5 sacks.
He also had 33 quarterback hits and 14 tackles for loss in that span.
He set a career high with 7.5 sacks in 2025.
His versatility and interior disruption consistently showed up on film, particularly as a pass rusher capable of collapsing pockets and creating opportunities for teammates.
That level of production is why PFF expects Franklin-Myers to command a major contract.
While Franklin-Myers has expressed a desire to remain in Denver, the Broncos’ recent financial commitments make a reunion difficult.
Extensions for Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Patrick Surtain II have limited Denver’s flexibility.
This is a reality Franklin-Myers himself acknowledged late in the season.
“When my time comes, it comes,” Franklin-Myers said in January.
Texans Also Named as Logical Landing Spot for JFM
As Franklin-Myers prepares to test the market, the Houston Texans have emerged as a potential suitor.
CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin recently identified Franklin-Myers as the free agent Houston should prioritize this offseason.
“They could use the draft to upgrade the offensive line and bring in JFM as a complement to their premier edge rushers,” Dubin wrote.
The Texans have built their defense around a dominant front.
Adding a disruptive interior presence like Franklin-Myers would align with their roster-building approach.
With multiple teams expected to pursue Franklin-Myers, Denver appears increasingly likely to lose one of its most productive defenders to free agency.
If those projections hold, Franklin-Myers is in line for a big payday.
While the Broncos will be aggressive in trying to keep him, only time will tell how it plays out.
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