John Franklin-Myers Addresses Jets Contract Talks

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Defensive end John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos.

New Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is set to count for just $5 million against the salary cap next season and $10 million in 2025, per Over The Cap.

That’s a two-year, $15 million pact after the Broncos reworked his four-year, $55 million pact.

A fan speculated that Franklin-Myers must have eyed more playing time since the number was reasonable enough for the Jets to match. Franklin-Myers, who saw his lowest snap share since 2020, per Pro Football Reference, set the record straight.

“They didn’t offer me anything close to this,” Franklin-Myers posted on X in response to the fan, adding a dazed face emoji for emphasis.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas explained his side during a post-draft press conference.

“It’s a unfortunate part of the business not being able to keep him,” Douglas told reporters on April 27. “There was a discussion [to re-work Franklin-Myers’ contract]. But it got to the point where it wasn’t going to be something that we were – the gap was too far for us to bridge. So Denver was able, obviously, able to do that.”

The Broncos not only got a deal done, but they left themselves some wiggle room after reworking Franklin-Myers’ contract upon completing the trade.

Details Emerge After Broncos Reworked John Franklin-Myers’ Contract

GettyDenver Broncos General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton.

According to Over The Cap, Franklin-Myers will receive a $2 million prorated signing bonus and $100,000 workout bonuses each of the next two seasons. He has a guaranteed salary of $3 million in 2024 with $340,000 per-game roster bonuses.

In 2025, he carries a $1 million base and $510,000 per-game workout bonuses.

There is some flexibility for the Broncos. If they cut Franklin-Myers this season, they would incur an $8 million cap hit. But the hit is just $3 million next season.

That’s potentially $7 million in savings next season when OTC projects the Broncos to have $58.2 million in cap space as it is. While that ranks 14th in the NFL, it is second among AFC West teams.

It is also a far cry from what they dealt with this offseason.

They are taking $53 million of Russell Wilson’s $85 million dead cap hit this coming season. They had to manipulate the cap to get into compliance before the official start of the offseason.

Broncos’ John Franklin-Myers ‘About Winning’

GettyDefensive end John Franklin-Myers of the Denver Broncos.

“I’m going bring physicality, I’m going to bring leadership, and I’m somebody who’s just never going to stop,” Franklin-Myers said in his introductory interview on April 29. “That’s what I’m about. I’m about winning, I’m about um helping the team win and doing everything I can for my teammates, and more than anything physicality. That’s what I’m gonna bring the Broncos.”

General Manager George Paton touted Franklin-Myers’ durability, versatility, and ability to get to the quarterback. His former head coach and general manager both spoke highly of his character.

Franklin-Myers is also forming quick bonds with his new teammates.

“Me and Zach [Allen] have been following each other for a while. Great player,” Franklin-Myers said. “D.J. Jones reached out to me yesterday. And, man, what opportunity I have. I’ve heard such good things from him. My coaches coached him and teammates played with D.J. Jones, so what an opportunity I have to come in and just help.”

Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com with a focus on the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. He has covered the NBA and NFL since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter