On Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos made a strategic move by acquiring defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets for a future sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft. This addition to the Broncos’ defensive line is considered one of the standout performances of their offseason.
Franklin-Myers, who has established himself as a reliable starter in the NFL over the years, had a remarkable first season with the Broncos. His statistics reflect this success, as he played in all 17 games and tallied 40 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 7 sacks—the best season of his career to date.
As the veteran defensive end prepares for the upcoming 2025 season, he remains a vital asset to the team’s defensive strategy. However, his contract status is uncertain, with many fellow members of the defensive front seven also in the final year of their contracts. Franklin-Myers, now 28 years old and with eight years of NFL experience, will aim to maximize his performance to secure a lucrative contract, either from the Broncos or potentially another team next offseason.
Last year, he logged 533 defensive snaps, the lowest amount since 2020, but still managed to garner praise from Pro Football Focus, earning an overall grade of 82.8, which ranks him sixth among 219 defensive linemen. His pass rush grade of 84.3 was the fourth-best in the league, indicating his effectiveness in disrupting opposing offenses.
Moving forward into the 2025 season, Franklin-Myers is expected to be a key starter in Vance Joseph’s defensive scheme, contributing significantly to the Broncos’ efforts in the trenches. While the team has made quality additions under Head Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton, they face financial challenges regarding contract extensions for players like Franklin-Myers, Zach Allen, and Malcolm Roach.
Insider reports suggest there haven’t been any discussions regarding Franklin-Myers’ contract, which raises speculation about his long-term future with the team. Nevertheless, with his current trajectory and talent, it is anticipated that he will have a standout season, potentially earning a substantial deal from another franchise during the next free agency period.
The optimistic view for Broncos fans is that regardless of what the future holds for Franklin-Myers, his performance this season could solidify his stature in the league, paving the way for a successful career transition, should he not remain in Denver.