The Denver Broncos didn’t spend their bye week kicking back-they got to work locking in key pieces for the future. The front office handed out extensions to center Luke Wattenberg, kicker Wil Lutz, and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, quietly but effectively checking off some important boxes on their midseason to-do list.
These weren’t the only moves Denver’s made recently. The team has also taken care of Zach Allen, DJ Jones, and Nik Bonitto, and added linebacker Dre Greenlaw in free agency. That’s a significant chunk of cap space committed to the defensive front seven-evidence of a clear strategy to build from the trenches out.
On the offensive side, Wattenberg’s new deal now makes five contracts currently active along the O-line. It’s a sign of stability up front, something Denver has been chasing for years. But the flurry of deals also casts a long shadow over one notable name: John Franklin-Myers.
Franklin-Myers has been a fan favorite since arriving in Denver. He’s a high-impact player, versatile across the line, and brings a veteran presence to the locker room.
But despite his value, a new contract doesn’t seem to be in the cards. And based on how the roster is shaping up, even a deep playoff run likely won’t change that.
This isn’t a reflection of Franklin-Myers’ talent-far from it. He’s still playing at a high level.
But the Broncos have already made significant financial commitments to other defensive linemen, and the numbers game is starting to tighten. With limited snaps this season and a projected market value north of $10 million per year, JFM might simply be the odd man out.
Denver’s recent draft pick, Sai’vion Jones, adds another layer to the picture. Taken in the middle rounds this past spring, Jones is viewed as a developmental piece with the tools to grow into a starting role. Add in Enyi Uwazurike, who has held his own in rotational duty, and the Broncos suddenly have a crowded and cost-effective defensive line room.
That’s the reality of roster building in today’s NFL. You can’t pay everyone.
Denver’s front office appears to be making strategic decisions, prioritizing youth, cost control, and long-term flexibility. And when you factor in the likelihood that the Broncos will be looking to make a splash on offense-potentially in free agency-it becomes even harder to justify a big-money deal for a rotational defensive lineman.
So while Franklin-Myers still has plenty of good football ahead of him, it’s probably not going to be in a Broncos uniform. He’ll likely find a new home in 2026-one that can offer the role and contract he’s earned.
For Broncos fans hoping to see JFM stick around, the writing’s on the wall. Denver has made its moves, and they’ve made their direction clear.