Jul 14, 2026, 2:16 AM CUT
Broncos could solve biggest defensive concern with internal answer
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 30: Denver Broncos helmet resting on the sidelines during the Denver Broncos game versus the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 30, 2025, in Landover, MD. Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 Broncos at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon155251130071
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 30: Denver Broncos helmet resting on the sidelines during the Denver Broncos game versus the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 30, 2025, in Landover, MD. Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 Broncos at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon155251130071
Denver Broncos managed to keep almost their entire roster together this offseason, but they lost one key piece: defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers. He became too expensive to re-sign and joined the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
While the Broncos drafted Tyler Onyedim in the third round to help fill the void, the real solution might already be on the team. ESPN analyst Ben Solak believes Eyioma Uwazurike is primed for a breakout season and can handle the heavy lifting left behind by Franklin-Myers.
“Of the rotational players who impressed last season, the first one I'd be trying to get more snaps to is Uwazurike,” Solak wrote. “He had a resurgent 2025 season after a 2023 season-long suspension for g******* threw a massive halt in his developmental arc."
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 30: Denver Broncos helmet resting on the sidelines during the Denver Broncos game versus the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 30, 2025, in Landover, MD. Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 Broncos at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon155251130071
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 30: Denver Broncos helmet resting on the sidelines during the Denver Broncos game versus the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 30, 2025, in Landover, MD. Photo by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 30 Broncos at Commanders EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon155251130071
ESPN analyst Ben Solak noted that Uwazurike’s NFL career got off to a rocky start due to a year-long suspension in 2023. However, he is a great player once on the field.
"More of a true defensive tackle than Franklin-Myers, Uwazurike has a mean bullrush and a hot, hot motor that helps him make cleanup plays in muddy pockets,” Solak noted.
However, he bounced back beautifully last season, playing in all 17 games and recording 39 tackles alongside 3.5 sacks and five QB hits.
Replacing Franklin-Myers will likely require a group effort, but giving Uwazurike a larger role could be exactly what the Broncos need.
If he continues his upward trajectory and has a career year, Denver's defense won't miss a beat.
The Broncos' defensive line has a great future with Eyioma Uwazurike
The Denver Broncos have great depth on their defensive line. Zach Allen, D.J. Jones, and Malcolm Roach are expected to be the starters this season.
Meanwhile, young players Sai'vion Jones and rookie Tyler Onyedim are competing to fill the gap left by John Franklin-Myers. The team will likely keep six defensive linemen on the final roster, just like last year.
Eyioma Uwazurike is set to be a key backup after a strong showing last season, where he played 409 defensive snaps. Mile High Report's analyst Christopher Hart noted how having Uwazurike on the roster benefits the team.
“His versatility to play outside at end and kick inside at tackle is an added boost for Denver's defense,” Hart noted.
With Franklin-Myers gone, Uwazurike should earn even more playing time in this final year of his contract. While the younger players still need to develop, Uwazurike has already shown he can handle a bigger role.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Aaindri Thakuri
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore