Broncos Look to Sai’vion Jones to Replace John Franklin-Myers on Denver’s Defensive Line

The Denver Broncos entered the 2026 offseason determined to keep the core of their playoff-caliber roster intact, successfully re-signing several key contributors on both sides of the ball. However, one major departure stood above the rest when veteran defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers left in free agency to join the Tennessee Titans.

Replacing Franklin-Myers won’t be easy, but Denver appears to have been preparing for his departure long before free agency began. Second-year defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones now enters training camp as the leading candidate to take on a much larger role in one of the NFL’s top defensive fronts.

John Franklin-Myers Leaves a Major Void in Denver

Franklin-Myers played a significant role in the Broncos’ defensive success during the 2025 season, providing versatility, interior pass rush, and strong run defense.

While Denver prioritized extensions for players such as Courtland Sutton, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, Luke Wattenberg, Wil Lutz, and Malcolm Roach, Franklin-Myers never received a new deal.

That decision suggested the Broncos anticipated he would command a contract beyond what they were willing to pay on the open market.

When he ultimately signed with the Titans, Denver lost one of its most productive defensive linemen—but not without a succession plan already in place.

Broncos Drafted Sai’vion Jones With This Opportunity in Mind

One of the clearest signs of Denver’s long-term planning came during the 2025 NFL Draft.

Late in the third round, the Broncos traded back into the draft to select LSU defensive lineman Sai’vion Jones with the No. 101 overall pick.

At the time, the move appeared to be focused on developing depth behind Franklin-Myers. Now, it looks like Jones was drafted specifically to become his eventual replacement.

After spending his rookie season learning behind an established veteran, Jones enters Year 2 with valuable experience in Denver’s defensive system.

Why Sai’vion Jones Could Break Out in 2026

Although Jones saw limited snaps as a rookie, his development behind a veteran-heavy defensive line was expected.

Throughout the season, coaches and teammates consistently praised his effort, physical tools, and relentless motor during practices.

Now that a starting role is available, Jones has an opportunity to translate that potential into consistent production on Sundays.

Denver believes his combination of athleticism, length, and energy gives him the ability to develop into an impact defender within coordinator Vance Joseph’s aggressive defensive scheme.

Competition Will Continue During Training Camp

While Jones may enter camp as the favorite, the competition for Franklin-Myers’ former snaps remains open.

Other players expected to compete include:

• Eyioma Uwazurike
• Tyler Onyedim, Denver’s third-round rookie

The Broncos could ultimately rotate multiple players depending on the situation, but Jones appears to have the inside track thanks to his year of experience within the organization.

Broncos Defense Still Has Championship Potential

Despite losing Franklin-Myers, Denver’s defense remains one of the league’s most talented units.

The Broncos continue to feature established playmakers across every level of the defense, including a dominant pass rush, experienced secondary, and one of the NFL’s deepest defensive fronts.

If Jones develops as expected, Denver could replace much of Franklin-Myers’ production without experiencing a significant drop-off.

Sai’vion Jones Could Become Denver’s Next Defensive Difference-Maker

Training camp will provide the first real look at how the Broncos plan to replace one of their biggest offseason losses.

For Sai’vion Jones, it represents an opportunity to prove the Broncos’ front office was planning ahead when it invested a third-round pick in the former LSU standout.

If Jones can capitalize on his expanded role, Denver’s biggest offseason question mark could quickly become one of its biggest success stories as the Broncos pursue another playoff run in the 2026 NFL season.

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