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Broncos Face Potential Secondary Loss as Myers Eyes AFC Move

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 20:29 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Colorado, Maryland, UNITED STATES

Denver, Colorado - February 23rd, 2026 - As the NFL free agency period rapidly approaches, the Denver Broncos face a potentially significant loss in their secondary with cornerback John Franklin Myers expressing interest in joining another team within the AFC. The news, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, throws a wrinkle into the Broncos' offseason plans and could spark a bidding war amongst AFC contenders looking to bolster their defensive backfields.

Myers, a valuable asset since joining the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2022, has proven to be a versatile player capable of lining up at both cornerback and safety. This adaptability has made him a key component of defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme, allowing for strategic flexibility and matchup advantages. While not a household name, Myers has consistently delivered solid performances and has earned the respect of both coaches and teammates.

The Broncos already have a cornerstone in place with Patrick Surtain II, who is rapidly establishing himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. Ja'Quan Brisker also offers veteran presence and reliability. However, losing Myers would undoubtedly diminish the overall depth and versatility of the secondary, especially considering the increasingly pass-heavy nature of the modern NFL.

"Depth is crucial in this league," explains former NFL safety and current analyst, John Smith. "You can't survive injuries, and you can't consistently put players on the field without having reliable backups. Losing a player like Myers, who can play multiple positions, is a real blow, even if you have a star like Surtain."

Broncos' Options: Draft or Free Agency?

The Broncos now face a critical decision: how to address the potential void left by Myers' departure. The team has several avenues to explore, with the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency representing the most likely options. The draft is deep with cornerback talent this year, and the Broncos, armed with several draft picks, could look to add a promising rookie to compete for playing time. However, relying solely on a rookie is a risky proposition, and a veteran presence would be invaluable to mentor the young player.

Free agency, while more expensive, offers the potential to acquire a proven commodity immediately. Several veteran cornerbacks are expected to hit the market, and the Broncos could be tempted to make a splash signing to fill the hole left by Myers. However, with limited cap space, the team will need to be strategic in its pursuit of free agents.

AFC Competition Heats Up

Myers' explicit interest in remaining within the AFC adds another layer of complexity to the situation. This suggests he's not simply looking for the highest bidder but is also prioritizing a situation where he believes he can contend for a championship. Several AFC teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Cincinnati Bengals, are all in win-now mode and could see Myers as a valuable addition to their roster.

"The fact that he's targeting AFC teams tells you a lot," says NFL insider Melissa Jones. "He clearly wants to be on a competitive team. He likely believes he can contribute to a Super Bowl run, and those teams are the ones to watch."

Furthermore, his seeking a "more favorable contract" than the Broncos are willing to offer implies that Denver may be hesitant to match the market value for a player they developed as an undrafted free agent. This could be a result of budgetary constraints or a strategic decision to prioritize other positions in the offseason.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks will be crucial for both the Broncos and John Franklin Myers. The team will need to assess its options and determine the best course of action to ensure it remains competitive in a challenging AFC West. For Myers, he'll be weighing his options and seeking a team that can offer him both a significant role and the opportunity to compete for a championship. The situation serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of the NFL and the challenges teams face in maintaining depth and versatility in a league driven by player movement.