In a stunning turn of events that’s rippling through the NFL like a seismic shock wave, the Green Bay Packers may have a golden opportunity handed to them on a silver platter. As the 2025 season winds down, whispers from Denver suggest that edge rusher John Franklin-Myers—long hailed as one of the league’s most underrated defensive linemen—is primed to hit free agency in 2026, and the Broncos’ cap constraints could make him an easy snag for a contender like Green Bay. This isn’t just a routine roster move; it’s a potential game-changer that could send a league-wide alert to rivals, signaling the Packers’ intent to dominate the NFC North and beyond.
The Packers’ pass rush has been a mixed bag this year. After trading for superstar Micah Parsons and locking him in with a massive extension, the unit showed flashes of brilliance, but supporting cast members like Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness haven’t quite delivered the consistent havoc fans envisioned. With no first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft—thanks to that Parsons blockbuster—Green Bay’s front office, led by GM Brian Gutekunst, is under pressure to bolster the defense through free agency. Enter Franklin-Myers, a versatile beast who’s quietly excelled in Denver’s stacked defensive line, ranking in the top 40 for both run defense and pass-rush grades according to Pro Football Focus. His ability to disrupt at nearly 300 pounds makes him the perfect complement to Parsons’ speed and Gary’s power.
Franklin-Myers’ journey has been one of steady, under-the-radar dominance. Acquired by the Broncos in a 2024 trade from the New York Jets for a mere 2026 sixth-round pick, he signed a two-year, $15 million deal with $9 million guaranteed, set to expire after this season. In 2025 alone, through 12 games, he’s notched 4.5 sacks, 20 total tackles (9 solo, 11 assisted), and proven his worth as a Swiss Army knife on the line—kicking inside to bully guards or exploding off the edge with surprising quickness.
It’s no coincidence he’s been part of elite defenses for the past four years, first with the Jets and now in Denver.
But here’s where the shock wave hits: The Broncos, despite their defensive prowess, face tough decisions heading into 2026. With 22 players slated for unrestricted free agency—including key names like running back J.K. Dobbins—Franklin-Myers is projected as a cap casualty or a player they’ll struggle to retain amid rebuilding priorities. Sources indicate Denver would love to keep him, but with emerging talents like Zach Allen and D.J. Jones already anchoring the line,
they’re likely to let him walk, especially as he eyes a bigger payday on a true contender. Pro Football Focus has him pegged as one of 15 underrated free agents poised to cash in, underscoring his value in a market hungry for proven pass rushers.
For the Packers, this couldn’t come at a better time. Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has shown creativity in alignments, juggling multiple edge threats to keep offenses guessing. Adding Franklin-Myers would create a nightmare rotation: Parsons wreaking havoc from one side, Gary powering through, and JFM providing that inside-out versatility to plug gaps in run defense while amping up the pass rush. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Sam Darnold in the division demand constant pressure, there’s no such thing as too many elite disruptors. Rather than gambling on a second-round draft pick panning out immediately, Green Bay could “supercharge” their already productive unit by signing Franklin-Myers and sorting the details later.
This move wouldn’t just elevate the Packers— it would send shock waves across the league. Rivals like the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings would be on high alert, knowing Green Bay is loading up for a Super Bowl run. Even teams like the Jets, who’ve floated reunion rumors, might scramble to outbid, but with the Broncos’ situation making him readily available, he’s practically falling into Lambeau’s lap. As free agency approaches in March 2026, keep your eyes on this underrated gem; his signing could redefine the NFC landscape and put the entire NFL on notice. The Packers are coming, and they’re not playing around.