John Franklin-Myers projected to leave Broncos for another AFC contender

The Denver Broncos are facing a major dilemma heading into the upcoming NFL free agency period, as they are likely to lose defensive end John Franklin-Myers. Franklin-Myers, who was acquired by the Broncos in a trade last season, has been a key contributor to the team’s defense and his departure would leave a significant void in the roster.

The 25-year-old pass rusher emerged as a breakout star in the 2021 season, recording 56 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 16 games. His disruptive presence on the defensive line helped the Broncos rank in the top 10 in both total defense and sacks. Franklin-Myers’ ability to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks made him a valuable asset for the team, and his departure would undoubtedly be a blow to the defense.

Despite his impressive performance last season, the Broncos are facing salary cap constraints that could prevent them from re-signing Franklin-Myers. The team has several key players set to hit free agency, including star cornerback Ronald Darby and standout safety Justin Simmons, and retaining all of them would require some tough financial decisions. Franklin-Myers is expected to command a significant contract on the open market, and the Broncos may not be able to match the offers he receives from other teams.

In addition to the financial considerations, there are also questions surrounding Franklin-Myers’ fit within the Broncos’ defensive scheme. The team recently hired a new defensive coordinator, and it is unclear how Franklin-Myers would fit into the new system. While he thrived in the team’s previous defensive scheme, there are concerns about whether he can replicate his success under the new coordinator.

Furthermore, there are reports that Franklin-Myers is seeking a long-term contract that would provide him with financial security for the foreseeable future. The Broncos may be hesitant to commit to such a deal, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the salary cap in future seasons. The team may prefer to sign Franklin-Myers to a shorter-term deal or explore other options in free agency or the draft to address the pass rush position.

Despite the potential loss of Franklin-Myers, the Broncos have some promising young players on the roster who could step up and fill the void. Second-year defensive end Jonathan Cooper showed flashes of potential in limited playing time last season, and he could be in line for a larger role if Franklin-Myers departs. The team also has a strong group of linebackers, including Pro Bowler Bradley Chubb and promising rookie Baron Browning, who could help generate pressure on the quarterback.

Additionally, the Broncos could look to the draft to address the pass rush position if Franklin-Myers leaves in free agency. The upcoming draft class is deep in edge rushers, and the team could target a player in the early rounds to bolster the defensive line. The Broncos have a history of drafting and developing defensive talent, and they could find a long-term solution to replace Franklin-Myers through the draft.

In the event that Franklin-Myers does depart in free agency, the Broncos will need to adjust their defensive strategy to compensate for his absence. The team may rely more on blitz packages or stunts to generate pressure on the quarterback, or they could shift to a more conservative defensive approach to mitigate the loss of Franklin-Myers’ pass rush ability. The coaching staff will need to evaluate the personnel on the roster and make adjustments to ensure that the defense remains effective without Franklin-Myers.

Overall, the potential loss of John Franklin-Myers in free agency presents a significant challenge for the Denver Broncos. His departure would leave a void on the defensive line and force the team to make difficult decisions regarding their salary cap and roster construction. However, the Broncos have a history of finding success in the face of adversity, and they have the talent and coaching staff to overcome the loss of Franklin-Myers. Whether through internal development, free agency, or the draft, the Broncos will need to find a solution to address the pass rush position and maintain their status as a competitive team in the AFC West.

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Source: Sporting News