​The Denver Broncos could have quietly cultivated a rising star on their roster, and 2026 might be the year the rest of the world finally takes notice. ESPN’s Ben Solak has named defensive tackle Eyioma Uwazurike as Denver’s premier breakout candidate as he works to restore his reputation after a year-long gambling suspension in 2023. This could be the year Uwazurike proves essential to the Broncos’ plans, particularly as they navigate the void left by John Franklin-Myers, who departed in free agency for a three-year, $63 million deal with the Tennessee Titans.
Franklin-Myers was a versatile asset, capable of lining up as both a big end and an undersized 3-technique, with no obvious weak spots. Solak noted on July 8 that while Denver possesses a deep depth chart capable of distributing Franklin-Myers’ snaps, there isn’t a single, direct replacement for the veteran. Among the rotational players who showed promise last season, Uwazurike is the first I’d consider giving more snaps to, Solak wrote. Uwazurike enjoyed a productive rebound in 2025 after the 2023 suspension disrupted his development trajectory. He is more of a traditional defensive tackle than Franklin-Myers, boasting a powerful bull rush and an intense motor that helps him seal the “cleanup” plays in muddy pockets. His style allows him to handle much of the gritty work that made Franklin-Myers such a pivotal part of the Broncos’ defensive rotation.
Uwazurike, a 2022 fourth-round pick, remains on his rookie contract due to the yearlong suspension. He signed a four-year, $4.42 million deal, which will pay him roughly $1.145 million in 2026. The NFL imposed the suspension after Uwazurike bet on NFL games during his rookie season. He was reinstated in August 2024, following an initially indefinite suspension.
Denver publicly acknowledged the suspension in July 2023, emphasizing their commitment to integrity and compliance with the league’s Gambling Policy. “We were informed by the NFL today that Eyioma Uwazurike has been suspended by the league indefinitely for violating its gambling policy,” the Broncos stated at the time. “Our organization fully cooperated with this investigation and takes matters pertaining to the integrity of the game very seriously. The Denver Broncos will continue to provide all members of our organization with the necessary education, resources and support to ensure compliance with the NFL’s Gambling Policy.” Subsequent reporting by 9News’ Mike Klis in July 2024 indicated that Uwazurike was not charged with gambling offenses by Colorado or Arapahoe County after an investigation found no violation of gambling laws. This lack of charges helped clear the path for his reinstatement, according to Klis.
As a rookie, Uwazurike flashed potential in limited opportunities. In eight games during the 2022 season, the former Iowa State standout and All-Big 12 selection recorded 17 tackles, along with two quarterback hits and one pass deflection. If he truly earns a starting role, Uwazurike would likely compete with rookie third-round pick Tyler Onyedim, selected 66th overall, for more substantial snaps and a more prominent role on the Broncos’ defensive line. The path to a full-time starting job, though, may hinge on how the Broncos value Uwazurike’s interior pressure and disruptive ability in the interior, as well as how well he can sustain his high motor against multiple offensive line looks. With the right development and continued iteration, Uwazurike has the potential to emerge as a key piece in Denver’s ongoing efforts to rebuild a formidable and versatile front seven.