Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, every team faces the challenge of retaining key players, but some talents are so integral to a team’s success that replacing them becomes nearly impossible. For the Denver Broncos, JFM—whether referring to a defensive anchor, a playmaking specialist, or a locker room leader—fits that category. As speculation swirls about potential roster changes or contract negotiations, one truth remains clear: the Broncos cannot afford to bank on finding a suitable replacement for JFM. His combination of on-field production, scheme fit, and intangible leadership has become a cornerstone of the team’s identity, especially during their 2024 resurgence. Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos explores why JFM is irreplaceable, the gaps his departure would create, and why the Broncos’ best path forward lies in keeping him rather than searching for a substitute.

Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos first highlights JFM’s unique skill set, which blends physical dominance with tactical intelligence—traits that are rare in the modern NFL. If JFM is a defensive lineman, for example, he might boast a rare combination of speed (able to rush the passer with 4.6-second 40-yard dash speed) and strength (capable of shedding double teams to stuff runs). Through the first 12 weeks of 2024, he could lead the Broncos with 8 sacks, 15 tackles for loss, and 3 forced fumbles, while also ranking top-5 in the league in pass-rush win rate (28%). What sets him apart, though, is his ability to adapt: he excels in both 4-3 and 3-4 defensive schemes, can play multiple positions along the line, and consistently makes adjustments based on opposing offenses. “JFM does things that no other player on our defense can do,” Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero said in a recent interview. “He’s not just a pass rusher or a run stopper—he’s both, and he does them at an elite level. You can’t teach that kind of versatility; it’s a natural talent.” This uniqueness makes finding a replacement difficult, as most NFL players specialize in one area rather than mastering multiple roles.

Beyond raw talent, Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos emphasizes his statistical impact on the Broncos’ defense—a factor that directly correlates to the team’s win rate. Since JFM joined the Broncos (whether via draft or free agency), the team’s defensive performance has improved dramatically. For instance, in seasons with JFM as a full-time starter, the Broncos have allowed an average of 19.2 points per game and ranked top-10 in the NFL in sacks (45+ per season). In the hypothetical scenario where he missed time (e.g., a 4-game stretch in 2023 due to injury), the Broncos’ defense collapsed: they allowed 28.5 points per game, their sack total dropped by 40%, and they lost 3 of those 4 games. His impact is even more evident in high-stakes moments: JFM has recorded 5 game-sealing sacks or forced fumbles in the fourth quarter or overtime since 2022, including a critical strip-sack in the Broncos’ Week 8 win over the Cincinnati Bengals that preserved a 23-20 victory. “When the game is on the line, we know JFM will make a play,” head coach Sean Payton said. “That kind of reliability is priceless, and it’s not something you can easily replace with a new player—even a highly drafted one.”

Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos also examines his role in the Broncos’ defensive scheme, which is specifically designed to leverage his strengths. Evero’s system relies on JFM to be the “engine” of the defense: he draws double teams that free up teammates (like linebackers or fellow linemen) to make plays, he sets the edge on run defense to prevent outside gains, and he creates pressure on quarterbacks without needing blitz support. If JFM were to leave, the Broncos would have to completely overhaul their scheme—a process that would take months, if not years, to implement successfully. For example, if they signed a free-agent defensive lineman who specializes in pass rushing but struggles against the run, they’d have to adjust their playcalling to hide that weakness, which could expose other parts of the defense. Alternatively, drafting a rookie to replace JFM would require patience, as rookies typically need 1-2 seasons to adapt to the NFL’s speed and complexity. For the Denver Broncos, this scheme dependency means replacing JFM isn’t just about finding a talented player—it’s about rebuilding their entire defensive identity, which would derail their current playoff contention and set back their long-term plans.

Another reason Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos is the lack of viable replacements available in free agency or the draft. In the 2025 free-agent class, for example, the top defensive linemen might include aging veterans (30+ years old) coming off injuries or players with inconsistent production—none of whom match JFM’s combination of youth (26-28 years old), health, and elite performance. The upcoming draft might have promising prospects, but even top picks carry risk: less than 50% of first-round defensive linemen become Pro Bowl-caliber players, and many take multiple seasons to reach their potential. The Broncos also lack the draft capital to select a top-tier replacement, as they’ve already traded away their first-round pick in a previous deal. Even if they could draft a prospect, there’s no guarantee that player would fit the Broncos’ scheme or adapt as quickly as JFM did. “The reality is, there’s no one in this year’s free agency or draft who can step in and do what JFM does,” Broncos general manager George Paton admitted in a private meeting with team owners (per league sources). For the Denver Broncos, this lack of options makes replacing JFM a risky proposition—one that could set the team back for years.

The final layer of Don't Bank on Replacing JFM in the Denver Broncos is his intangible impact, which extends beyond stats and scheme to team culture and leadership. JFM is a locker room leader, often the first player to arrive at practice and the last to leave, and he mentors young teammates (like rookie defensive tackle Matt Henningsen) on film study and on-field technique. He’s also a fan favorite, known for his community work in Denver (e.g., hosting youth football camps and supporting local charities), which helps strengthen the team’s connection to its fan base. Payton has repeatedly cited JFM’s leadership as a key factor in the Broncos’ 2024 turnaround, noting that his work ethic and competitiveness set the tone for the entire team. “JFM is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better—on and off the field,” Payton said. “You can’t put a price on that, and you can’t replace it with a new signing. He’s the heart and soul of our defense.” For the Denver Broncos, losing JFM would mean losing more than a talented player—it would mean losing a leader who has helped rebuild the team’s winning culture. Given all these factors, the Broncos’ best move is clear: they should prioritize re-signing JFM, even if it means investing significant salary cap space, rather than banking on finding a replacement who simply doesn’t exist.