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Broncos Secondary in Flux After Myers' Possible Departure

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 23rd 2026 at 0:09 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Colorado, Maryland, UNITED STATES

Beyond Myers: A Broncos Secondary in Flux

The ripple effects of a possible Myers departure extend beyond simply finding a replacement at nickel corner. The Broncos are already facing critical decisions regarding the futures of several other key defensive backs. Patrick Surtain II, the cornerstone of their secondary, is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but his contract situation will likely demand significant attention. Securing Surtain long-term is paramount, but doing so will undoubtedly impact the team's financial flexibility for other positions. K'Waun Williams, a seasoned veteran, is entering the twilight of his career and his role may be shifting towards mentorship rather than consistent starting duties. Dylan McBride, a promising young player, has shown flashes of potential but remains unproven as a consistent contributor. Myers' possible exit amplifies the pressure on McBride to develop rapidly and fill the void, a significant ask for a player still honing his skills.

The Broncos' defensive coordinator, currently Vance Joseph (as of this writing in early 2026), will need to assess whether the existing talent can adequately cover the necessary positions or if significant investment - either through free agency or the draft - is required. A shrewd coordinator could potentially restructure roles and responsibilities to mitigate the impact of losing Myers, but that relies on internal players stepping up and exceeding expectations.

The AFC Landscape and Myers' Motivations

The fact that Myers specifically expresses interest in AFC teams is noteworthy. Several factors could be at play here. One possibility is that he believes a specific team within the conference offers a better opportunity for a larger role or a more lucrative contract. The AFC is currently a hotbed of quarterback talent and aggressive offenses - think Kansas City, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and the rising Baltimore Ravens. Myers might see a situation where he's competing against these elite offenses weekly, potentially raising his profile and increasing his long-term earning potential.

Another possibility is that he has a personal connection to a team within the conference, or simply prefers the geography or coaching staff. While these are less concrete factors, they can often influence a player's decision-making process. The upcoming free agency period is expected to be incredibly competitive, with numerous teams vying for proven defensive backs. The presence of several AFC contenders with cap space could drive up the price for Myers' services.

Draft and Free Agency: Broncos' Options

If Myers does depart, the Broncos have several avenues to explore. The NFL Draft is deep with cornerback talent in the 2026 class. Several prospects possess the athleticism and coverage skills to compete at the NFL level. The Broncos, holding a mid-round pick (projected as of this writing), could target a promising rookie to develop into a starting-caliber player. However, relying solely on a rookie to fill such a crucial role is a risky proposition.

The free agency market also offers several potential options, albeit likely at a significant cost. Veteran cornerbacks are often in high demand, and the Broncos would need to be prepared to compete with other teams to secure their services. A combination of a mid-round draft pick and a savvy free agent signing might be the most realistic approach. The Broncos will also need to carefully evaluate their cap situation and determine how much they are willing to spend to address the cornerback position.

The situation with John Franklin Myers serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL. Building a championship-caliber roster requires constant evaluation, adaptation, and a willingness to embrace change. The Broncos' front office faces a challenging task in navigating the cornerback landscape and ensuring they have a competitive secondary heading into the 2026 season.