Denver acquired John Franklin-Myers from the Jets for a 2026…
Denver acquired John Franklin-Myers from the Jets for a 2026 sixth-round pick and secured an established defensive-line starter at a bargain price. Franklin-Myers brought durability, interior-outside versatility and immediate pass-rush production to the Broncos, then remained productive into 2025. New York received future draft capital, but a late sixth-round return does not match the multi-season value Denver obtained from a proven defender.
Denver Broncos Received
- player John Franklin-Myers
New York Jets Received
- pick 2026 6th round pick (211th overall subsequently traded, Ryan Eckley )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Denver acquired John Franklin-Myers from New York for a 2026 sixth-round pick during the 2024 draft weekend. The Broncos were buying an established defensive lineman rather than projecting a late-round prospect, while the Jets were moving a veteran whose contract no longer fit their preferred roster structure. Denver's own announcement emphasized his durability, noting that he had started 50 of a possible 51 games over the previous three seasons.
How the Value Developed
Franklin-Myers immediately justified the low acquisition cost. He became a regular starter on Denver's front and posted a career-high seven sacks in 2024, then followed with another productive pass-rushing season in 2025. His ability to align at multiple spots gave the Broncos both front-line snaps and lineup flexibility. A sixth-round pick can become useful, but the probability of receiving that level of proven production from the slot is far lower than what Denver actually secured.
Why Denver Gets the Edge
New York's side was not irrational. Moving the contract created flexibility and returned a future asset rather than simply releasing the player. Still, the trade is judged by what each side obtained, and Denver received multiple seasons of starter-quality defensive play for one late selection. That is exactly the type of low-cost veteran acquisition that can outperform its price without requiring a star-level ceiling. The Jets' return was too distant and too modest to balance the immediate football loss.
Final Verdict
Denver keeps the A- and the clear win. New York remains at D+ because the club did recover a pick and gain financial flexibility, but the Broncos paid very little for a player who became an important part of their defensive front. The realized value gap is substantial.