As Broncos begin contract extensions, it's not looking good for JFM

Story update: After this story was scheduled, the Broncos agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with center Luke Wattenberg. See our original post below.

While discussing kicker Wil Lutz's three-year contract extension during a conference call on Monday, Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton revealed an interesting tidbit about extension talks with other players.

"We spent time, George [Paton] and I, before the break and discussed a number of players that we’re going to visit with," Payton said. So far, only Lutz has agreed to a new deal. Payton later added: "There are a few other players that we know we’ve reached out to, and I think the key is the communication aspect of it all."

Denver's list of players scheduled to become free agents in 2026 includes defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, center Luke Wattenberg, defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, running back RB J.K. Dobbins, linebacker Justin Strnad and tight end Adam Trautman.

The Broncos had "preliminary talks" with Wattenberg and Roach during the bye week, according to KUSA-TV's Mike Klis. Unfortunately, the Broncos "haven't expressed interest" in a possible extension for Franklin-Myers, according to the Denver Gazette's Chris Tomasson. It looks like he might be allowed to test the free agency market in March.

Over the last two years, Denver has given big extensions to defenders including Pat Surtain, Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen and Jonathon Cooper, and the team might not have enough salary cap space to also re-sign JFM. The Broncos lead the NFL in sacks this season with Bonitto (9.5), Cooper (7.5), Allen (6.0) and JFM (4.5) forming arguably the best group of pass rushes in the league.

The NFL's free agency negotiating window will open on March 9, with the new league year and official start of free agency set to open on March 11, 2026. Any in-house free agents who do not receive extensions from Denver will be eligible to begin negotiating with other clubs on March 9.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Broncos begin extension talks, but not with John Franklin-Myers