There’s no telling what direction the Baltimore Ravens will go in during free agency. As always, they’ll be looking to retain their own, and the pending new contract for quarterback Lamar Jackson has been the top priority for now. However, there’s some critical roster reloading needed.
General manager Eric DeCosta and new head coach Jesse Minter made it clear that they'll prioritize adding to the trenches this offseason. The offensive line was horrific, and the defensive line lacked much presence, especially on passing downs. With a defensive guru in Minter taking over, a player like Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers could end up being the marquee addition of Baltimore’s free agency cycle.
Unfortunately, Franklin-Myers will cost a pretty penny. It was already expected that he was going to get a payday, but according to ESPN’s Benjamin Solak, he could get more than some anticipate.
“[John Franklin-Myers] is the only significant defensive tackle in the free agent market,” Solak said. “JFM’s older, he is turning 30, but he’s playing at a high level with the Broncos, and he’s a unique player. He’s good outside and inside, he’s got some versatility to him, so he’s gonna get a big deal.”
Ravens may have to fork up a lot of money for John Franklin-Myers
Franklin-Myers feels like the perfect fit for the Ravens. Their defense is facing some uncertainty around defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike’s status for 2026, and the pass rush only totaled 30 sacks in 2025, which was third-worst in the NFL. Franklin-Myers would be a very strong replacement or sidekick for Madubuike, while also upgrading the pass rush.
Franklin-Myers has 34 career sacks, 14.5 of which have come in the last two seasons with the Broncos. He had a career-high of 7.5 sacks in 2025, showcasing that he’s playing at his best even deep into his career. As a run defender, the 29-year-old was strong in that area, too, posting an above-average 66.6 run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus.
Regardless of the Madubuike situation, the Ravens will likely need another piece on the interior. Defensive lineman Broderick Washington is expected to be a cut casualty this offseason, which would leave a void in a high-volume role. Adding Franklin-Myers would instantly create a monstrous defensive front with him, Madubuike, Travis Jones, and even John Jenkins making plays in short-yardage situations.
Currently, Spotrac projects Franklin-Myers’ market value at a two-year deal worth $15.7 million and a salary of $7.9 million. That feels fair, but if he earns a bigger payday like Solak expects, Eric DeCosta will have to reach deeper into Baltimore’s cap space.
It seems like the Ravens have the money. They have just over $20 million available, and a Lamar Jackson extension would shrink that $74.5 million cap hit and free up even more money. However, with center Tyler Linderbaum being offered a market-setting extension that he could sign at any point, and other needs, they may not be able to comfortably make a play on Franklin-Myers. One thing's for sure, though: he’d be a major difference maker.