Broncos Facing $19.4M Contract Projection for Top Free Agent DT

Denver must decide whether to pay up to retain 7.5-sack defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:15pm

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The Denver Broncos are facing a projected two-year, $19.4 million contract for their top free agent, 29-year-old defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, who is coming off a 7.5-sack season. The Broncos will have to weigh whether to pay that premium price to retain Franklin-Myers, who has emerged as one of the best interior defensive linemen set to hit the open market.

Why it matters

Keeping Franklin-Myers would be a major priority for the Broncos, who are looking to build on a strong defensive season. However, the projected $9.7 million per year price tag could price Denver out of the market, forcing them to find a cheaper alternative in free agency or the draft.

The details

According to analytics site PFF, Franklin-Myers is projected to land a two-year, $19.4 million contract on the open market. The 29-year-old defensive tackle recorded 7.5 sacks this past season, building on a 7-sack campaign the year prior. He has emerged as one of the top interior defensive linemen available in free agency, which could price the Broncos out of retaining him.

  • Franklin-Myers is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026.

The players

John Franklin-Myers

A 29-year-old defensive tackle who recorded 7.5 sacks for the Broncos in 2025, making him one of the top interior defensive linemen set to hit free agency.

Bo Nix

The Broncos' starting quarterback who was sidelined due to injury during the team's AFC Championship loss.

Alex Singleton

A Broncos free agent linebacker who is likely to depart in free agency, along with a few other defensive players.

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What they’re saying

“Projected contract: Two years, $19.4 million. ... Undoubtedly, he should draw the attention of teams in need of a strong contributor on the interior of the defense.”

— Mason Cameron, PFF Analyst (PFF.com)

What’s next

The Broncos will have to decide in the coming weeks whether to prioritize re-signing Franklin-Myers at the projected $19.4 million price tag or look to find a cheaper alternative in free agency or the draft to bolster their defensive line.

The takeaway

Retaining Franklin-Myers would be a major boost for the Broncos' defense, but the projected $9.7 million per year contract could be too rich for Denver's blood. The team will have to weigh the value of keeping one of the top interior defensive linemen in the league versus finding a more cost-effective solution to address that position.