One of the top developments of this offseason in the case of the Broncos has been extension agreements with in-house players. Defensive linemen Zach Allen and wideout Courtland Sutton each have new four-year deals in hand. 
Talks on a new pact are also taking place with edge rusher Nik Bonitto, meanwhile. As Denver prepares for a raise in that situation as well, defensive linemen John Franklin-Myers remains on course for free agency next spring. No extension negotiations have taken place in the veteran’s case, something he spoke about on Saturday.
“I’m here to play football whether they pay me or not,” Franklin-Myers said (via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette). “If not, I’ll be a free agent this offseason and my time is going to come. Obviously, we understand the contract thing. So, obviously go out there and put my best foot forward each and every day. But ultimately it’s the front office’s decision. But I’m here to play football with or without [an extension].”
Acquired via trade from the Jets in 2024, Franklin-Myers started all but one game during his debut Denver season (although he logged a defensive snap share of just 46%, a step down from recent seasons). Despite that reduction in workload, the 28-year-old enjoyed a career year in terms of sacks (seven), total stops (40) and tackles for loss (eight). Any new pact would naturally include a raise as a result.
For now, Franklin-Myers is set to collect $8MM in 2025 while carrying a cap hit of $10MM. Given the lack of discussions on an extension, it is unlikely an agreement will be reached prior to Week 1. As such, the former fourth-rounder’s performance during the season will be worth watching closely given its impact on his free agent stock.
The Broncos now have Allen attached to a $25MM-per-year extension, and D.J. Jones is on the books for another three seasons at an average of $13MM annually. Presuming a Bonitto pact eventually gets worked out, it would come as little surprise if the team avoided any further big-money investments along the defensive front. That could leave Franklin-Myers on the move next spring, with his market being dictated by his ability to duplicate last year’s success.