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BREAKING: Broncos Star DE Informs Denver He Will Not Return Next Season

Denver Broncos appear set to lose one of their most reliable and productive veterans from the defensive front as the offseason approaches.

According to sources around the league, the veteran defensive lineman has informed people close to the organization that he does not expect to return to Denver once the new league year begins.

The situation stems largely from stalled contract negotiations. With the Broncos currently navigating salary-cap considerations—despite having around $25-35 million in space—and multiple roster priorities heading into free agency, talks between the team and the veteran failed to produce a new agreement, especially after extensions for key front-seven players like Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, D.J. Jones, and others shifted the defensive line outlook.

That player is John Franklin-Myers, whose deal with Denver will officially expire when the NFL’s new league year begins on March 11.

Bears Called 'Top Landing Spot' for Broncos' John Franklin-Myers

Despite the relatively short stint since joining via trade, Franklin-Myers made a noticeable impact during his time in Denver, providing interior pass rush and run-stopping ability as a rotational defensive lineman.

In two seasons with the Broncos, he produced strong numbers across the board. The veteran recorded 14.5 sacks (one of the league's top interior totals during that span), 14 tackles for loss, 33 quarterback hits, and consistent disruption against the run, helping Denver set franchise sack records in back-to-back years.

Those contributions highlighted his effectiveness as a versatile interior defender capable of pressuring quarterbacks and anchoring the line in sub-packages.

Even with that production, Denver’s front-seven depth and recent extensions have complicated any attempt to retain him long-term. The team is navigating roster adjustments and could prioritize youth or other upgrades, making it difficult to match what Franklin-Myers could command on the open market as a top option at his position.

The veteran defender has already drawn interest from multiple teams as free agency approaches.

He is widely viewed as one of the premier interior defensive linemen hitting free agency, with projections around the $20 million threshold in discussions due to limited competition at the spot. Teams needing disruptive interior help are believed to be monitoring his situation and could pursue the 29-year-old once the legal tampering period begins.

For the Broncos, his expected departure represents another significant defensive decision in an offseason already shaped by salary-cap management, extensions for core defenders, and pushing for continued contention.

Unless something changes dramatically before free agency opens, it now appears that John Franklin-Myers’ time in Denver is coming to an end.

“I CHOOSE LOS ANGELES” – Rams Super Bowl Champion Shocks NFL by Accepting Minimum Deal to Return for Seventh Season Amid Trade Rumors
Los Angeles, California – In an offseason filled with massive contracts and aggressive free-agency spending, one veteran decision has quietly captured the attention of the NFL. Los Angeles Rams linebacker Troy Reeder, a Super Bowl champion and longtime locker-room presence, stunned many across the league by choosing loyalty over money as speculation about his future intensified. For weeks, rumors circulated that Reeder could pursue a larger contract elsewhere as several teams searched for experienced defensive depth. Instead of chasing a bigger payday, the veteran linebacker made a surprising commitment to the Rams by agreeing to return on a one-year veteran minimum contract worth approximately $1.2 million. The decision ensures that Reeder will enter the seventh season of his NFL career wearing the same uniform where he built his reputation. Within the Rams’ locker room, the move was viewed as more than just another roster transaction. Coaches and teammates see it as a statement about leadership, stability, and belief in the team’s championship window. Reeder has long been considered one of the quiet leaders within the defensive unit. Originally entering the league in 2019, he steadily carved out a role as a reliable contributor in Los Angeles’ defensive rotation. His most memorable season came in 2021, when he recorded 91 tackles and two interceptions during the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI championship run. Although his career briefly took him elsewhere — including a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 and a preseason stop with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 — Los Angeles has always remained the place where Reeder’s NFL identity was formed. Over 106 career games with 38 starts, he has recorded 335 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions. The veteran also endured adversity in recent seasons. A serious hamstring injury forced him to miss much of the 2024 campaign after Week 7. However, Reeder fought his way back onto the field in 2025, appearing in all 17 games while contributing key snaps on defense and special teams. “I know I could have looked for more money somewhere else,” Reeder said. “But this team means a lot to me. I want another shot at it. Winning a second Super Bowl with the Rams is something I’m determined to help make happen.” For the Rams organization, the move reflects a philosophy that championship teams are built not only on star talent but also on trusted veterans who understand the system and culture. As Los Angeles prepares for another competitive season, retaining experienced voices like Reeder may prove just as valuable as any major free-agency acquisition. In a league often defined by contracts and cap space, Reeder’s decision stands out as a rare reminder that loyalty still exists in the NFL. And for the Rams, that loyalty could help fuel one more push toward the Lombardi Trophy.