It might seem weird to discuss what potential free agent targets the Dallas Cowboys might be after because they’re already almost $40 million over the salary cap, but if you know anything about how owner Jerry Jones operates that’s a small hurdle to overcome.
The Cowboys are going to end up with cap room. One way or another.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks that when they do, they’ll go after Denver Broncos interior defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who has 14.5 sacks over the last 2 seasons as the Broncos have become one of the NFL’s best defenses.
Knox put Franklin-Myers at No. 5 on his list of the Top 50 NFL free agents in the 2026 cycle. He’s in the final season of the 2-year, $15 million contract he signed before the 2024 season and is predicted to receive a 3-year, $44 million free agent contract
“John Franklin-Myers might not be the biggest name among defenders headed to market,” Knox wrote on Wednesday, January 7 “However, the 29-year-old is a disruptive difference-maker who has been productive at every stop and in multiple roles. A 2018 fourth-round pick out of Stephen F. Austin, Franklin-Myers has spent time at both defensive tackle and defensive end, and he’s shown an ability to rush the passer from either spot. While not a true edge-rusher, Franklin-Myers is a capable pressure man who has thrived in the Denver Broncos’ defense over the past two seasons … Expect Franklin-Myers to get a substantial raise with a new team in 2026.”
Broncos Have Too Much Talent, Not Enough Money
Franklin-Myers has been an incredible value for the Broncos over the last 2 seasons as they’ve dealt with having over $80 million in dead cap space because of the disastrous Russell Wilson contract — someone producing 14.5 sacks is worth a whole lot more than the $15 million he was paid.
Despite having the richest owners in the NFL with the Penner-Walton family, the Broncos still have to follow the salary cap rules. That means that not everyone is going to receive a massive contract, and on the defensive front they’ve already handed out deals to Nik Bonitto (4 years, $120 million), Zach Allen (4 years, $102 million) and Jonathon Cooper (4 years, $60 million).
Add in one massive contract in the secondary with perennial All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II (4 years, $96 million) and $30 million-plus deals for linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga and you start to get the picture.
Franklin-Myers is simply the odd man out.
Traded From Jets to Broncos Before 2024 Season
Acquired in a trade with the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth round pick in April 2024, Franklin Myers signed his $15 million contract with the Broncos the same day as the trade.
Franklin-Myers broke into the NFL as a fourth round pick (No. 135 overall) by the Los Angeles Rams out of Stephen F. Austin in the 2018 NFL draft. He actually played in the Super Bowl as a rookie and had a sack and a fumble recovery in a loss to the New England Patriots.
The Rams cut Franklin-Myers before the 2019 season and he was picked up by the Jets the next day but missed the entire year due to injuries — he had 19.5 sacks through his first 5 seasons and almost matched that number in just 2 years with the Broncos.
AFC West Star Named Top Cowboys Free Agent Target