As the 2026 NFL offseason inches closer, the Denver Broncos are staring down a familiar dilemma: how to balance the pursuit of new talent with the challenge of retaining their own. One name that looms large in that equation is defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.
Acquired during the 2024 NFL Draft in a trade that cost Denver just a sixth-round pick, Franklin-Myers has been more than just a solid addition-he’s been a cornerstone on one of the league’s top defensive units. Over the past two seasons, he’s missed just one game and racked up 14.5 sacks, bringing a consistent, disruptive presence along the defensive front. But as the new league year approaches on March 11, the writing on the wall suggests the Broncos may not be able to keep him.
And they’re not alone in recognizing his value.
Franklin-Myers is expected to draw plenty of attention on the open market, and one team that could come calling in a big way is the Houston Texans. Houston has built its identity around a ferocious defensive front, and while their edge rushers-headlined by Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter-are elite, the interior could use reinforcements. Several of their interior linemen are set to hit free agency, and Franklin-Myers fits the mold of a plug-and-play solution who could elevate an already dominant unit.
The Texans’ defense was a force in 2025, even outshining Denver’s in several key metrics. Adding a player like Franklin-Myers, who brings both production and durability, could be the move that takes them from great to terrifying. His ability to collapse pockets and hold up against the run would complement the edge pressure already coming from Anderson and Hunter, creating a front that offensive coordinators would have nightmares about scheming against.
Of course, the Broncos would love to keep him. But with limited cap space and other roster needs to address, it’s a tough ask.
Denver may have seen this coming, too. During last year’s draft, they traded back into the third round to grab LSU’s Sai’vion Jones-a move that many viewed as a preemptive plan for life after JFM.
Franklin-Myers isn’t a flashy name, but his impact is undeniable. He does the dirty work in the trenches, sets the tone physically, and brings the kind of consistency that’s hard to replace. For a team like Houston, which is already knocking on the door of elite status, he could be the final piece to a defensive puzzle that’s already close to complete.
Come March, expect his phone to ring early and often.