Broncos get $19.4 million contract projection for 7.5 sack free agent defensive lineman

The Denver Broncos lost in the AFC Championship to the New England Patriots in heartbreaking fashion. Bo Nix was sidelined due to injury, and while the defense did its job, the offense could only muster seven points.

That great defense might be getting a bit worse this offseason, with Alex Singleton hitting the open market, among a few others likely on the move. But one such free agent, defensive tackle John Franklin-Myers, is more important than any other.

According to Mason Cameron of PFF.com, the Broncos' top free agent - a 29-year-old interior defensive lineman coming off a 7.5 sack season - got a $19.4 million contract projection that's a target for the Broncos to bring back Franklin-Myers.

Broncos 7.5 sack IDL gets $19.4M contract projection

"Projected contract: Two years, $19.4 million," Cameron writes. "... Undoubtedly, he should draw the attention of teams in need of a strong contributor on the interior of the defense."

Re-signing Franklin-Myers would be a nice move for the Broncos, but with teams around the league likely looking to the 29-year-old DT as the best option in free agency, the Broncos will be in a tough spot.

Calais Campbell and David Onyemata are two other free agents, but neither compares to Franklin-Myers in terms of players the team will have interest in.

More: Broncos' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason

He's a productive interior defensive lineman, both in the run and pass rush game. His 7.5 sacks this season, combined with his seven sacks a year ago, make him a very appealing free agent target this offseason.

A $19.4 million deal would make it so a new team will be on the hook for $9.7 million per-year. While this projected deal isn't exactly what he's going to get, it's a good guideline for the Broncos.

It's not going to be cheap to retain Franklin-Myers, and this projected deal is a good barometer for the Broncos in the Franklin-Myers market this offseason.

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