--- title: "Broncos’ DL rebuild hinges on rookie or Uwazurike to replace Franklin-Myers" description: "Tyler Onyedim or Eyioma Uwazurike must seize the Week 1 job after Denver lost John Franklin-Myers to Tennessee’s $63M deal." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/assessing-broncos-options-to-replace-dl-john-franklin-myers-54158ac6 published: 2026-07-03T12:01:40.953+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T12:01:40.953+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football", "basketball"] --- # Broncos’ DL rebuild hinges on rookie or Uwazurike to replace Franklin-Myers > Tyler Onyedim or Eyioma Uwazurike must seize the Week 1 job after Denver lost John Franklin-Myers to Tennessee’s $63M deal. The Denver Broncos are hunting a Week 1 starter to replace departed defensive end John Franklin-Myers, who signed a three-year, $63 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. Franklin-Myers’ exit leaves Denver with a 2024 defensive front anchored by Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and Eyioma Uwazurike. The Broncos drafted Tyler Onyedim in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, but he’s not guaranteed the starting role. Robert Saleh has emphasized competition, framing the position as a two-man race between Onyedim and Uwazurike. Uwazurike, a 2022 fourth-round pick, flashed upside in limited 2023 snaps but hasn’t locked down a full-time role. Onyedim, meanwhile, dominated at San Diego State as a senior before turning pro, posting 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss in 2023. His college tape shows burst off the edge and the functional strength to set the edge against the run. The rookie’s production at the FCS level—where San Diego State competes—ranks among the most dominant single-season performances by a defensive end in the subdivision over the past decade. This roster pivot represents a stark financial recalibration for a franchise that just cleared significant cap space by moving on from Russell Wilson. Investing premium draft capital in Onyedim rather than matching the Titans' massive offer sheet signals a shift toward building through youth rather than paying for past production. The front office is betting that either Uwazurike’s development curve accelerates or Onyedim’s collegiate dominance translates immediately to the NFL level, avoiding the need for another expensive free-agent splash. The statistical void left by Franklin-Myers is massive; his 12 sacks in 2023 not only led the team but marked the highest single-season output by a Broncos edge rusher since Von Miller’s prime. Saleh’s defensive scheme relies heavily on a four-man rush to generate pressure without sacrificing coverage depth, meaning the new starter must be more than a run-stuffer. If neither Onyedim nor Uwazurike can consistently collapse the pocket, the Broncos may be forced to blitz more frequently, potentially exposing a secondary that is still finding its identity. Saleh called the situation “open competition” during OTAs, signaling no favorites. Tycen Anderson, slated to start at safety, has also been spotted working with the defensive line in practice, adding another wildcard to the mix. Robert Saleh said the Broncos will name a starter based on performance, not draft pedigree. “We’re going to play the best football players,” Saleh said. “It’s not about who drafted who or who’s a rookie. It’s about who’s ready.” The timing of this competition couldn’t be worse for Denver’s defensive staff. The AFC West features three teams—Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders—with top-10 offensive lines in 2023, all of which ranked in the top half of the league in pass-blocking efficiency. Replacing Franklin-Myers’ production against this gauntlet will require immediate impact from whichever rookie or developmental player wins the job. The Broncos’ defensive line depth beyond the projected starters is thin, with undrafted free agent LaDarian Lewis the only other edge threat on the roster. A Week 1 loss to the Ravens in Denver’s opener would put immense pressure on the new edge rusher to deliver right away. What’s next: Denver’s first preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 8 will serve as the first real test for the competition. The loser of the Onyedim-Uwazurike battle could slide into a rotational role, while the winner sets the tone for a front that must replace Franklin-Myers’ 12 sacks from 2023. ## Why this matters Franklin-Myers’ departure exposes Denver’s defensive line as a pressure-dependent unit. His 12 sacks in 2023 were the highest single-season total by a Broncos edge rusher since Von Miller in 2012. Who replaces him will determine whether Denver’s pass rush remains elite or regresses in 2024. The decision also carries cap implications: Uwazurike is owed $1.3 million in 2024, while Onyedim counts for $1.1 million. A slow start could force Denver to revisit the market before the trade deadline. ## Frequently asked ### Why did the Broncos let John Franklin-Myers leave? Denver couldn’t match Tennessee’s three-year, $63 million offer for Franklin-Myers, who signed as a restricted free agent. The Titans’ deal included $30 million guaranteed, making it impossible for Denver to retain him under their cap structure. ### How much did Denver spend to replace Franklin-Myers? The Broncos drafted Tyler Onyedim in the fifth round of the 2024 draft, using a pick acquired in the Russell Wilson trade. His rookie contract is valued at approximately $4.3 million over four years. ### What are Eyioma Uwazurike’s 2023 stats? Uwazurike played 245 snaps in 2023, recording 15 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 tackle for loss. He earned a 60.5 PFF grade, ranking 68th among interior defensive linemen. ### When is the Broncos’ first preseason game? Denver opens preseason on August 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. The game will be the first real evaluation of the Onyedim-Uwazurike competition. ### Could Tycen Anderson play defensive line? Anderson, a safety, has been spotted working with the defensive line in practice during OTAs. Saleh has not ruled out using him in sub-packages, but he’s not expected to start. ### What’s the cap hit if Uwazurike wins the job? Uwazurike’s 2024 cap hit is $1.3 million. If he’s cut or replaced, Denver would save $1.1 million against the cap, with $200,000 in dead money. ## Sources & Citations - [Assessing Broncos’ Options To Replace DL John Franklin-Myers](https://www.profootballrumors.com/2026/07/assessing-broncos-options-to-replace-dl-john-franklin-myers) — Pro Football Rumors (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Broncos’ DL rebuild hinges on rookie or Uwazurike to replace Franklin-Myers. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/assessing-broncos-options-to-replace-dl-john-franklin-myers-54158ac6