The Denver Broncos’ 2025 season came to a hard stop in the AFC Championship Game, falling short of a Super Bowl bid after a tough loss to the New England Patriots. Now, the focus shifts to what promises to be a pivotal offseason in Denver - and one of the biggest decisions looming is what to do about John Franklin-Myers.
Over the past two seasons, Franklin-Myers has been a force up front for the Broncos. He’s racked up 14.5 sacks in that span, but his value goes beyond just getting to the quarterback.
He’s been a consistent presence against the run and a versatile chess piece for Denver’s defensive front. That kind of production - paired with his ability to line up both inside and outside - is going to draw plenty of attention when free agency opens.
At 6'4" and 288 pounds, Franklin-Myers is the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a role - he creates one. Whether he’s lined up as a defensive end or sliding inside to disrupt the pocket from the interior, his motor doesn’t stop. That versatility is a defensive coordinator’s dream, and it’s a big reason why he’s expected to command a solid market despite turning 30 in September.
The Broncos would love to keep him. That much is clear. But as Franklin-Myers put it himself, his future in Denver is still very much up in the air.
“I’m happy to be here and I was happy to play football for the Broncos this year,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
One team that makes a lot of sense as a potential landing spot? The Chicago Bears.
Chicago is coming off a season in which the pass rush never really found its footing - the Bears finished with just 35 sacks, tied for seventh-fewest in the league. They also struggled against the run, ranking 27th in that category. That’s a recipe for defensive frustration, and it’s why a player like Franklin-Myers could be exactly what they need.
Plug him into a defense led by Dennis Allen, and you suddenly open up a lot of options. Franklin-Myers can be used as a traditional edge rusher or kicked inside on passing downs to create mismatches. He’s not just a pass-rusher, either - his strength at the point of attack helps shore up the run defense, something the Bears desperately need.
Financially, Spotrac projects Franklin-Myers to land a two-year deal worth $15.7 million. That feels like a baseline, especially given his sack totals and the way he’s impacted games over the last two seasons. Age might limit the ceiling on a long-term deal, but teams in win-now mode - like Chicago - won’t hesitate to pay for proven production.
Of course, there’s the matter of the Bears’ cap situation. They’re currently projected to be $17.3 million over the cap heading into the offseason. But if Chicago is serious about bolstering its front seven - and all signs point to that being a top priority - they’ll find a way to make room.
For Denver, the question becomes whether they’re willing to match what other teams might offer. Franklin-Myers has been one of the more underrated pieces of their defensive resurgence, and losing him would leave a sizable hole. But in today’s NFL, pass rushers who can also stop the run and move across the line don’t come cheap - and they don’t stay on the market long.
So now the waiting game begins. The Broncos have a decision to make.
The Bears may already be circling. And John Franklin-Myers is about to see just how valuable his versatility and production are in a league that never stops hunting for difference-makers in the trenches.