Broncos Seek Replacement After Franklin‑Myers Departure

Franklin‑Myers’ Impact and Exit

The Denver Broncos re‑signed nearly every key piece from last season’s roster, but linebacker John Franklin‑Myers slipped through their fingers. A versatile defensive lineman who could line up as both a big end and an undersized three‑technique, Franklin‑Myers was deemed too costly to keep after the team handed extensions to other players. He later signed with the Tennessee Titans as a free agent, leaving a noticeable void in Denver’s defensive rotation. The Broncos now face the challenge of filling a role that had no clear one‑for‑one substitute.

New Draft Pick Tyler Onyedim Joins the Mix

To address the loss, the Broncos used their first selection of the 2026 draft on Texas A&M defensive end Tyler Onyedim, taking him in the third round. Onyedim arrives with the hope of providing depth and potential rotation work in a defensive line that already features several veterans. While the team’s scouting department believes he can contribute, early expectations are that he will need time to adjust to the NFL’s pace. His addition underscores Denver’s effort to replenish the personnel lost to free agency.

ESPN Analyst Highlights Eyioma Uwazurike as the Answer

ESPN’s Ben Solak, scouting breakout candidates across the league, singled out Eyioma Uwazurike as a potential fixture for the Broncos this season. Uwazurike, a true defensive tackle drafted by Denver in the fourth round of 2022, rebounded from a season‑long gambling suspension that stalled his development. In 2025 he played all 17 games, posting 39 tackles and 3.5 sacks while contributing in muddy situations with a relentless motor. Solak believes more snaps could unlock a career‑defining year for the 28‑year‑old.

Why Uwazurike Could Be the Missing Piece

Unlike Franklin‑Myers, who thrived as a rotational player with dual‑position flexibility, Uwazurike’s strength lies in his bullrush and ability to clear the box. He already possesses the “dirty work” ethic that made Franklin‑Myers valuable, and his 2025 stats suggest he is ready for increased responsibility. If the Broncos can give him a larger role, his production could offset the loss of the veteran without requiring additional signings. A breakout season from Uwazurike would give Denver’s defensive front the depth needed to stay competitive.

Looking Ahead

The Broncos have assembled a depth chart that leans on several rotational options, but no single player currently matches Franklin‑Myers’ two‑year impact. Expect the team to experiment with snap counts and positional flexibility to maximize what its defensive linemen can offer. Should Uwazurike seize the opportunity, the Broncos could find a cost‑effective solution that strengthens the pass rush and run defense alike. The coming training camp will be the proving ground for whether this draft pick and existing depth can truly answer the question left by Franklin‑Myers’ departure.

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