Prediction Sends $44 Million Broncos Defensive End to Lions
One of the things about putting together a great defense like the Denver Broncos have this season — maybe an all-time great defense — is not everyone can stick around.
The economics of the NFL just don’t let you do that. You try to parse out the very best of the group and get those guys paid, but even with that, sometimes you lose guys other teams would die for.
In this case, that might be defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes will fetch a pretty penny in free agency in the 2026 cycle.
Knox thinks an NFC contender like the Detroit Lions would spend big to get Franklin-Myers in the fold — a player they could put next to NFL All-Pro edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and take pressure off the NFL’s highest paid defensive player.
JFM One of NFL’s Top Free Agents in 2026
In Knox’s latest Top 50 free agency rankings for 2026, he has Franklin-Myers at No. 7 and projected to land a 3-year, $35 million contract.
Franklin-Myers signed a 2-year, $15 million restructured contract extension before the 2024 season and will have approximately $44.2 million in career earnings following this season.
He’s also on track to have the best season of his career with 4.5 sacks through the first 10 games, with the Broncos sitting in first place in the AFC West with an 8-2 record and on a 7-game winning streak.
The Broncos also have a chance to break the NFL’s single season sacks record set by the Chicago Bears with 72.0 sacks in 1984, although that record was set on a 16-game regular season schedule.
“The Broncos have paid several of their integral defensive players over the last calendar year,” Knox wrote. “They have not, however, extended John Franklin-Myers just yet … While Franklin-Myers has never made the Pro Bowl, he’s a disruptive front-line defender with a high motor and positional versatility. He should command a bit more than the $10.8 million-per-year salary DeMarcus Lawrence got last offseason.”
Jets Traded JFM to Broncos in 2024
Acquired in a trade with the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth round pick in April 2024, Franklin Myers signed his restructured contract with the Broncos the same day as the trade.
Franklin-Myers broke into the NFL as a fourth round pick (No. 135 overall) by the Los Angeles Rams out of Stephen F. Austin in the 2018 NFL draft.
He played in the Super Bowl as a rookie but was cut before the next season and picked up by the Jets. He spent the next 5 seasons in New York before he was traded to the Broncos in exchange for a 2026 sixth round pick in April 2024.
Franklin Myers had 26.5 career sacks through his first 7 NFL seasons although he missed the entire 2019 season with an injury.
Another thing to consider is that Franklin-Myers could far exceed the projected numbers from Knox in terms of his contract.
If he continues his current sacks pace and helps lead the Broncos to a deep playoff run — or even a Super Bowl — his asking price could end up closer to $20 million than the approximately $10.8 million currently projected by Knox.
HEARTWARMING: Maxx Crosby Joins Marshawn Kneeland’s Father After He Donates Entire Remaining Salary to Launch Youth Mental Health Foundation
In an incredibly heartfelt act that goes beyond football, Las Vegas Raiders
Just one day after Mr. Kneeland announced that he would donate his late son’s remaining $5.6 million salary to create a foundation supporting youth mental health, Crosby personally flew to Dallas to attend a candlelight vigil held in Marshawn’s memory. The gathering drew hundreds of fans, players, and community leaders, united by grief and hope.
"Faith teaches us to lift others in their darkest moments," Crosby said with quiet conviction. "What Shawn is doing turns unimaginable loss into purpose. It’s a reminder that our calling as athletes — and as people — is to serve something bigger than ourselves."
Witnesses described an emotional moment as Crosby embraced Mr. Kneeland, the two bowing their heads in silent prayer. They later spoke about the foundation’s mission: to provide mental health counseling, mentorship, and crisis support for young athletes struggling with emotional challenges.
"My son admired players who played with heart and humility," Shawn said softly. "Seeing Maxx here, standing with me, shows that compassion knows no team colors."
Crosby pledged $250,000 through the
As the night came to a close, Mr. Kneeland looked toward the candlelit sky and whispered:
"My son’s name will always stand for hope. And tonight, that hope feels alive again."
Through faith, love, and purpose, Marshawn Kneeland’s legacy continues to inspire — proving that even in heartbreak, the NFL’s truest strength lies in its humanity.
