The Denver Broncos have yet to engage with starting defensive lineman and 2024 offseason trade acquisition John Franklin-Myers in contract extension talks, but that will not stop the veteran from doing his job.
The Broncos have addressed several key players, like Pro Bowlers Courtland Sutton and Pat Surtain II. But, in light of defensive lineman Zach Allen’s deal and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto’s need for one, Franklin-Myers could be on track to be the odd man out.
Franklin-Myers is not letting that deter him, though, which is good news for the Broncos.
He said he understands the business of the NFL, that it is up to the Broncos’ front office, and that all he can do is “go out there and put my best foot forward each and every day.”
“I’m here to play football whether they pay me or not,’’ Franklin-Myers said, per The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson on August 23. “If not, I’ll be a free agent this offseason and my time is going to come.”
“‘Disappointed’ is a strong word,” Franklin-Myers said in response to a direct question. “We all just want to feel wanted. And I think when it’s time to play football, obviously money and stuff is aside. I’m under contract, so football is football. But obviously we all want what we’re worth. Until then, I’m going to play football. It is what it is.”
The Broncos acquired Franklin-Myers in a trade with the New York Jets during the 2024 draft.
Franklin-Myers set career-highs with 40 total tackles, 8 stops for loss, and 7.0 sacks, helping the Broncos set a franchise record and lead the league with 63 sacks during the regular season. He is in the final year of a two-year, $15 million contract with $36.8 million in career earnings.
There has been some speculation that the Broncos could, and perhaps should, look to trade Franklin-Myers amid their current financial outlook and roster composition.
John Franklin-Myers Gets Honest About Broncos All-Pro
GettyZach Allen #99 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Green Bay Packers.
Allen’s four-year, $102 million pact is the most noteworthy with regards to Franklin-Myers, with the Broncos also giving nose tackle D.J. Jones a three-year, $39 million deal. Again, though, Franklin-Myers harbors no ill will toward Allen.
Franklin-Myers called Allen “my dog,” that he was “all for” it, and the veteran makes them “better.”
“You’re talking about somebody that shows up every day. He earned the money,” Franklin-Myers said. “Zach deserves every dollar of it.”
Franklin-Myers has been the most outspoken of the Broncos’ players about wanting a new deal, posting on X in July that he was “Under appreciated & Underpaid.” But he has consistently supported his teammates and said that there is enough money to go around.
“I love my brothers,” Franklin-Myers posted amid questions about his future. “We can all eat.”
Franklin-Myers has seemingly questioned whether or not Broncos general manager George Paton will indeed reward one of his most productive players from 2024.
The Broncos have done business in-season before. That could bode well for Franklin-Myers, particularly if he sticks to his plan of not being a distraction for the Broncos while he seeks the new deal he feels he deserves.
Broncos Youngster Gets Noticed vs Saints
GettySai’vion Jones #95 of the Denver Broncos drives against Jeremiah Byers #67 of the Arizona Cardinals.
Further complicating matters for Franklin-Myers, the Broncos also drafted LSU Tigers defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones in the third round of the 2025 draft.
Jones recorded a sack in the preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints. He earned some attention with a postgame package from Variety Sports’ Eric Richey. It highlighted the rookie’s first time in the Superdome as a high schooler.
Then, Jones was taken aback at the size of the venue.
Jones finished the preseason with 1.0 sacks, notching it in the finale against the Saints. If he shows well early for the Broncos, Franklin-Myers’ resolve that he will get paid could be tested.
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