Rushing the quarterback is one area where the Denver Broncos are thriving—they topped the NFL in sacks during the 2024 regular season, thanks to standout performances from Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, who both recorded double-digit sack totals. Zach Allen also contributed significantly with 8.5 sacks.
Given Denver’s strong pass rush, the team could consider shifting its focus to other roster needs by trading from a position of strength. This idea was floated by Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport in a June 3 article.
Davenport suggested that defensive end could be a trade candidate for the Broncos. Coming off a season in which he logged a career-high 7 sacks, He is likely to draw attention on the market.
He’s entering the final year of a two-year, $15 million deal with Denver, and his absence from OTAs may signal a holdout. According to Spotrac, his estimated market value has climbed to a three-year, $25.5 million deal—boosting his projected annual salary from $7.5 million to $8.5 million.
Still, there’s logic in moving on from the former Stephen F. Austin star, particularly to ease a crowded defensive end group. As Davenport noted, rookie Sai’vion Jones—picked in the third round—could be a viable in-house replacement. Given the league-wide need for quality defensive linemen, trading Franklin-Myers before he hits free agency in 2026 could be a smart move.
In 17 games last season, Franklin-Myers also racked up 18 QB hits and 40 total tackles. Pro Football Focus’ Bradley Locker praised his impact, highlighting his team-best 17.8% pass-rush win rate and 82.9 pass-rushing grade.
At 28, Franklin-Myers is still in his prime, making him an appealing trade asset.
Broncos’ Defensive Investments Makes a Franklin-Myers Extension Challenging
The Broncos are set to gain more salary cap flexibility in 2026 when the dead money from Russell Wilson’s massive five-year, \$242.5 million contract clears. However, despite their offseason additions, it’s unlikely that John Franklin-Myers will be a top priority for a contract extension.
As Locker noted, “Denver has been aggressive on defense this offseason, committing \$76.5 million combined to Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw. They also have other free agents to address, but Franklin-Myers likely isn’t in line for an extension. … With Nik Bonitto entering the final year of his deal and D.J. Jones already receiving a significant contract, Franklin-Myers doesn’t appear to be in the team’s long-term plans under Sean Payton.”
Bonitto, who posted 13.5 sacks last season, is expected to draw a sizable contract. Meanwhile, Zach Allen’s deal ends after the 2026 season, and the cap relief in 2026 could help Denver retain him. Regardless of his uncertain future, Franklin-Myers is expected to report to mandatory minicamp next week.
Suggested Trade has Franklin-Myers Going to a Division Rival
Brandon Austin of Pro Football Network floated a trade idea involving John Franklin-Myers, though it seems unlikely due to the team involved. Austin proposed that the Los Angeles Chargers — division rivals of the Broncos — might pursue the veteran defensive end, especially in light of Joey Bosa’s departure.
“This kind of trade between division rivals is rare, so the chances are slim,” Austin noted. “But Franklin-Myers would address a key need for the Chargers, and the Broncos could afford to part with him.”
If the trade were to happen, Franklin-Myers could strengthen a defensive front that already includes 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack and rising talent Tuli Tuipulotu, who posted 8.5 sacks last season.
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