3 players who should get contract extensions from Denver Broncos next originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Denver Broncos have made it clear that they want to keep their main nucleus of players together going forward, as the team has handed out new deals throughout this season, giving contract extensions to Courtland Sutton, Zach Allen, Nik Bonitto, Luke Wattenberg, Wil Lutz and Malcolm Roach.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe front office recognizes the strength of the team and that the championship window is open. The Broncos could focus more on just keeping the majority of the current roster intact rather than looking at outside options. With that in mind, here are some players who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents this offseason who the team could offer contract extensions to.
John Franklin-Myers, DL
Current deal: $7.5 million annuallyCurrent projected deal in 2026: $7.6 million annually
John Franklin-Myers will easily be the most expensive player of these three to retain after having another productive season with the Broncos. He may get out of the team's price range, but the Broncos should do whatever they can to keep him and keep that defensive front together.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat said, the Broncos used a third-round pick this past spring on Sai'vion Jones and that pick was made, at least in part, with the idea of him being the eventual replacement for Franklin-Myers.
Spotrac currently estimates a deal for next year being worth $7.6 million annually, but there is a good chance that number will go up.
Justin Strnad, LB
Current deal: $2.6 million
Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton are both scheduled to hit free agency at season's end and there is a chance the Broncos will have to choose between them. Strnad has continued to play on one-year deals, but he has played well when his number has been called. He's also the younger player and would likely come cheaper.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSingleton is one of the defensive leaders and his recent story has been terrific, but he will be 32 years old next season and the team could be forced to make a tough business decision when it comes to his roster status.
J.K. Dobbins, RB
Current deal: $2.0 million
This will be a tough decision for the team, as there is certainly a strong argument against J.K. Dobbins' history of injuries. He is currently on injured reserve and likely won't play again this season.
The Broncos have a young and inexperienced backfield and Dobbins was playing great football before a foot injury in Week 10 shut him down. The Broncos could opt to re-sign Dobbins rather than look at other free-agent options or bring another young running back in through the draft.
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However, Spotrac's current projection that he gets a deal around $9.4 million next season would be a bit too rich.
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