The Denver Broncos used their bye week to lock down some key pieces, extending deals for defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, kicker Wil Lutz, and offensive lineman Luke Wattenberg. It was a productive stretch for GM George Paton, but the job is far from over. With several notable names still set to hit free agency, the front office faces some tough decisions-none more intriguing than what to do with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.
Franklin-Myers, often referred to as JFM, has quietly become one of the Broncos’ most consistent performers up front. Over the past two seasons, he’s played in 33 of 34 regular season games, stacking up 14.5 sacks, 65 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 33 quarterback hits. That’s steady, disruptive production from a player who doesn’t always get the spotlight but absolutely brings value every time he steps on the field.
And that’s where the conversation gets interesting.
Despite his impact, Franklin-Myers has only been on the field for 46% of the defensive snaps in 2024 and 49% in 2025. That’s less than half the time.
So while the production is there, the usage rate raises questions-especially when you start talking about the kind of payday a player with his résumé might command. If the price tag lands around $10 million per year, the Broncos will have to weigh whether that investment makes sense for a rotational piece.
Still, in the locker room, there’s no debate. Malcolm Roach made that crystal clear.
Roach, one of the emotional leaders on this Denver defense, didn’t mince words when asked about Franklin-Myers’ future. He’s been vocal all season, and he doubled down recently with a message aimed directly at the front office: “Just give JFM his money.”
That kind of public endorsement isn’t just about friendship-it speaks to what JFM means to this group. He’s a known commodity, a high-floor player who’s been producing at this level for five seasons now, dating back to before his time in Denver. In a league where consistency is currency, Franklin-Myers has proven he can be relied upon.
But the Broncos are in a bit of a financial juggling act. They’ve got needs on offense-wide receiver, tight end, and running back all require attention-and they’re already heavily invested in the defensive line.
Denver also used a 2025 draft pick on Sai’vion Jones, a young edge rusher who could be groomed as a long-term replacement. That move may have signaled where this was headed all along.
Still, letting go of a proven, respected veteran like Franklin-Myers isn’t an easy call. He’s not just putting up numbers-he’s clearly earned the trust and admiration of his teammates. And in a locker room that’s been through its share of turnover in recent years, that kind of presence matters.
The Broncos have some big decisions ahead. If they’re serious about keeping their defensive identity intact while shifting more resources to the offense, someone is going to be the odd man out. But if the team listens to the voices inside the building-guys like Roach-they’ll know exactly how this locker room feels about JFM.
Now it’s up to the front office to decide how much that voice is worth.