Denver opens 2025 with John Franklin-Myers as the glue of the defensive front, yet no extension in hand after this season. Denver piggybacks Courtland Sutton, Zach Allen and Nik Bonitto with big deals, creating a tight cap path that could squeeze Franklin-Myers’ market value. The veteran remains optimistic, while the organization weighs long-term structure and potential restructures to keep him in a crowded line. A Bo Nix extension looms post-2026, further tightening the books and forcing hard choices for Denver.

Denver’s contract wave locks Courtland Sutton and Zach Allen into the long-term plan, with Nik Bonitto likely next in line for an extension. The Broncos also have John Franklin-Myers and Malcolm Roach on the 2026 free-agent radar, highlighting a mini-crisis of cost versus continuity in Denver’s front seven. Roach’s candid take—“I’m employee 97… the money’s going to take care of itself”—weights the business side of the NFL against on-field production as the team aims to repeat a strong 2025 showing and maximize the value of its core in 2026.

Roach’s blunt honesty underscores a broader reality: extensions today shape the 2026 landscape, and the Broncos are balancing present competitiveness with future cap implications. Last season, Roach delivered 43 tackles, eight QB hits, and 2.5 sacks as a rotational lineman, a footprint Denver hopes to expand in 2025 before the payday clock ticks again in 2026—whether in Denver or elsewhere. Sutton and Allen’s agreements solidify a high-floor offense and a disruptive defensive line as the team eyes another run at the league’s upper tier.

Beyond Sutton and Allen, the mix of younger edge and interior linemen—Bonitto, Franklin-Myers, and Roach—signals Denver’s blueprint: sustain pressure, protect the quarterback, and keep the offense equipped with reliable weapons. The Saints’ previous flirtation with Roach is a reminder of the market’s reality. As the 2025 campaign unfolds, the Broncos’ ability to translate on-field success into 2026 extensions will define their ceiling for fantasy managers and bettors alike.

Nik Bonitto unleashed a standout sequence against the 49ers, recording a sack on Mac Jones on first down, sharing a second sack with a teammate, and forcing an incomplete on third down. That series essentially stifled a 49ers drive, underscoring Bonitto’s burst and game-changing potential for Denver’s edge rush. Shanahan praised Bonitto’s ability while pointing to a trio of plays where miscommunications and alignment issues benefited the Broncos’ pass rush. Bonitto, 25, is coming off a first career Pro Bowl and is eyeing a lucrative extension as Denver weighs its retooling of the front seven. The performance adds immediate fantasy interest around Denver’s defensive line depth and Bonitto’s upside if he anchors the unit in coming weeks.

The exchange highlighted the broader context: the edge pairings, Burford’s responsibilities, and Shanahan’s candid critique of the blocking miscues that opened the door for Denver’s pressure. Bonitto’s speed and technique were the difference on the play, while Shanahan stressed that Burford’s misalignments were not solely on the tackle, acknowledging Bonitto as a matchup problem. This gives Denver fans confidence in their young edge rusher and raises questions about how the Broncos will deploy their pass rush in real games, especially if Bonitto continues to flourish against both backups and higher-caliber opponents.

Bonitto’s trajectory remains a fantasy concern and a real NFL storyline: a young, athletic edge with Pro Bowl credentials who could push for a bigger role and a contract extension. Denver fans and fantasy managers will watch how the Broncos manage his snaps and how the defense leverages his impact as a cornerstone piece of the front seven going forward.

The Denver Broncos have recently focused on securing key players, with wide receiver Courtland Sutton receiving a four-year contract extension. As the team approaches the 2026 season, they need to consider the futures of several other prominent players. Defensive lineman Zach Allen and pass rusher Nik Bonitto are both entering the final years of their contracts, raising questions about their potential extensions. Additionally, defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, who has also been productive, is in a similar situation. These decisions will significantly shape the team’s roster moving forward.

With Sutton's extension seemingly setting a precedent, the Broncos face crucial negotiations with Allen, Bonitto, and Franklin-Myers. Their performances in the upcoming season will undoubtedly influence the team's approach to contract discussions. Allen, known for his disruptive presence on the defensive line, and Bonitto, with his pass-rushing capabilities, contribute significantly to the Broncos' defensive scheme. Meanwhile, Franklin-Myers has proven to be a reliable asset. How the Broncos manage these players could have lasting implications for their championship aspirations.