New York Giants Show Interest in John Franklin-Myers as 2026 Free Agency Looms

ESPN beat reporter Jordan Raanan: multiple sources confirm the Giants are targeting Denver Broncos free agent defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. With NFL free agency officially opening on March 11, 2026, this interest in the 29-year-old versatile DL signals a clear priority—bolstering the interior defensive line and fixing one of the league’s worst run defenses. This developing story could be the first domino in a major defensive overhaul.

Who Is John Franklin-Myers? Career Background and Versatility

John Franklin-Myers enters free agency as one of the most intriguing defensive line options available. Drafted in the fourth round (135th overall) by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, the 6-foot-4, 288-pound lineman has carved out a productive career across three teams: the Rams, New York Jets (2019-2023), and Broncos (2024-2025).Known for his relentless motor and positional flexibility, Franklin-Myers excels as both a 4i-shade defensive end in base fronts and a three-technique tackle in sub packages.

His experience playing under former Jets head coach Robert Saleh (now with the Titans) gives him familiarity with aggressive, gap-shooting schemes—skills that could translate well to the Giants’ new defensive staff. Before joining Denver, Franklin-Myers was a consistent pressure machine with the Jets, posting over 50 pressures in multiple seasons. That production carried over to the Broncos, where he became a key piece of a top-tier defensive front.

John Franklin-Myers 2025 Stats: Proving He’s Still a Force

Franklin-Myers just wrapped up his strongest statistical season yet. In 2025 with the Broncos, he recorded a career-high 7.5 sacks, 25 tackles (12 solo), and 43 pressures across 16 games. He also added 15 quarterback hits, showcasing his ability to disrupt offenses both against the run and in pass-rushing situations. Over the past two seasons in Denver (under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph), Franklin-Myers tallied 14.5 sacks and more than 90 pressures.

That production ranks him among the top interior rushers at his position. For context, only a handful of defensive tackles posted more sacks than Franklin-Myers during that span. His run-defense grade remains solid, with consistent stops and the ability to hold the point of attack. These numbers directly address the Giants’ biggest weakness: in 2025, New York ranked second-worst in the NFL, allowing 145.3 rushing yards per game. Depth behind star nose tackle Dexter Lawrence was nonexistent, and opponents routinely exploited the interior when Lawrence rotated off the field.

Why the Giants Need John Franklin-Myers: Fixing Run Defense and Building Around Dexter Lawrence

The Giants’ 2025 defensive line grade was a clear “D” in most evaluations. After trading Leonard Williams and watching key rotational pieces like Rakeem Nunez-Roches and D.J. Davidson head toward free agency, the unit lacked the waves of talent Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson demand. Recent roster moves underscore the urgency. Reports confirm the Giants are releasing linebacker Bobby Okereke, freeing up roughly $9 million in cap space. That money, combined with an already healthy 2026 cap situation, positions New York to make aggressive plays in free agency.

Pairing Franklin-Myers with Dexter Lawrence would recreate the successful formula the Giants had during Leonard Williams’ prime. Analysts like The Athletic’s Dan Duggan have been pushing this exact idea since February 2026, calling Franklin-Myers the perfect “running mate” for Lawrence. His ability to kick inside on passing downs and anchor the run in base packages fits the new emphasis on odd fronts and three-man lines.

Contract Projections: Affordable Upgrade or Overpay?

Pro Football Focus and The Athletic project Franklin-Myers landing a three-year deal worth approximately $45 million, with about $22.5 million guaranteed. That averages $15 million per year—reasonable for a player entering his age-30 season with back-to-back seven-sack campaigns. For the Giants, the structure is flexible. They could front-load the deal or build in an out after year two, keeping future cap flexibility intact. Compared to chasing bigger-name edge rushers or overpaying for declining veterans, Franklin-Myers represents excellent value: proven production, scheme versatility, and immediate impact without breaking the bank. Other teams (Titans, Bengals, Jaguars) are expected to show interest, but the Giants’ need for immediate interior help and Franklin-Myers’ prior East Coast success give New York a legitimate shot.