The New England Patriots could continue to build their defense this offseason, and a Denver Broncos free agent could be a great fit.
The Broncos had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, and John Franklin-Myers was an underrated reason for that. He was overshadowed by great seasons from Nick Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper and Zach Allen. However, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox named the Patriots as a potential landing spot for him.
“With a 6’4″, 288-pound frame and a nonstop motor, Franklin-Myers can set the edge and disrupt plays in the backfield,” Knox wrote on Wednesday. “True pass-rusher or not, he’s an impact player. Over the past two years alone, Franklin-Myers has recorded 14.5 sacks, 44 quarterback pressures, and 14 tackles for loss. Through stints with the (Los Angeles) Rams, (New York) Jets, and Broncos, he’s tallied an impressive 17-game average of 30 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 5.1 sacks.”
The Patriots had just 35 sacks in the regular season. They could benefit from adding a true pass rusher and perhaps someone who has double-digit sack potential. However, Franklin-Myers is a player who could do more than just rush the passer for their defense.
He is an aging player, so he could come at a cheaper cost than some of the premier pass rushers in the league. Last season, he set a career high in sacks, and he could instantly become a force on the Patriots’ defensive line.
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With K’Lavon Chaisson hitting free agency, the Patriots could be in the market for multiple players who can get after opposing quarterbacks. They need to find a way to get more sacks, and Franklin-Myers would be a good start.
Knowing they have extensions looming for Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots may prefer adding a few cheaper pass rushers, as opposed to spending big on one big name.