If the New England Patriots are serious about retooling their defense this offseason, there’s a name flying a bit under the radar who could be a perfect fit: John Franklin-Myers.
The veteran defensive lineman was part of a Denver Broncos unit that quietly turned in one of the better defensive performances in the league last season. While the spotlight often fell on guys like Nick Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Zach Allen, Franklin-Myers was doing the dirty work-and doing it well. His production may not have made headlines, but it certainly popped on film.
Standing at 6'4" and weighing in at 288 pounds, Franklin-Myers brings a physical presence and relentless energy to the edge. He’s not just a space-eater-he’s a disruptor.
Over the past two seasons, he’s posted 14.5 sacks, 44 quarterback pressures, and 14 tackles for loss. That’s the kind of consistent backfield presence that New England could use in a big way.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the Patriots struggled to generate pressure last season. Their 35 total sacks ranked near the bottom of the league, and they lacked a true difference-maker up front.
Franklin-Myers isn’t just a pass-rusher-he’s a versatile piece who can hold the edge, collapse the pocket, and create chaos in the backfield. That’s the kind of multi-dimensional defender head coach Jerod Mayo and new defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington could plug into multiple fronts.
And here's the kicker-Franklin-Myers might not break the bank. At this point in his career, he’s not likely to command top-tier pass-rusher money, which could be a huge win for a Patriots team that needs to be smart with its cap space. With extensions looming for quarterback Drake Maye and cornerback Christian Gonzalez down the road, New England’s front office may look to build depth without handing out massive contracts.
That approach makes even more sense when you consider the current state of the edge group. With K’Lavon Chaisson set to hit free agency, the Patriots could be in the market for more than one pass rusher. Adding Franklin-Myers would give them a proven veteran presence-someone who’s played in multiple systems and delivered steady production from the Rams to the Jets to the Broncos.
He’s not a flashy name, but Franklin-Myers is the kind of player who helps good defenses become great. If the Patriots want to start climbing back toward contention, shoring up the pass rush with a reliable, high-motor veteran like him would be a smart first step.