WR · DEN
transaction
FA: Troy Franklin dropped
sleeper-tx-free_agent+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Drops: Troy Franklin
Troy Franklin
WR · DEN · 23 yrs · exp 2 · Oregon
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
2,549
Rank
#215
Pos rank
#76
7d trend
-1.2% (7d vs prior)
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Jul 24, 2026 · 2,549
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
analyst
Troy Franklin Falling Down 2026 Draft Boards
Troy Franklin's fantasy production may be difficult to find in 2026 due to the Denver Broncos' depth chart
WR · DEN
trade
Trade: Troy Franklin ↔ Dylan Sampson
sleeper-tx-trade+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Patel Dynasty League trade — Dance Monkey received: 2026 2nd round pick (orig Biffalo Bulls). unclebeej69420 received: Dylan Sampson and Troy Franklin
WR · DEN
general
What role will Troy Franklin have in the Broncos offense?
After a disappointing rookie year, Troy Franklin had a breakout season last year. He has been a highly-hyped player for the Broncos during the offseason, making plays in OTAs and minicamp, which carried over into training camp
general
It is make-or-break time for young Broncos’ wide receivers
Both Marvin Mims, Jr., and Troy Franklin can see the writing on the wall: Jaylen Waddle was signed because the receiving room needed a boost. I honestly have a lot of love for both Mims and Franklin. They’ve been warriors in their time with the Broncos. For Mims he’s a special returner but is limited in route diversity. He’s also not quite as tall or athletic as Sean Payton prefers. On the plus side, the guy is a football player. He’s a guy that give his all to make a play and has been a play maker when he does get opportunities in pressure situations. For Franklin he’s got all the route-running abilities you want in a receiver. He’s both fast and quick. The problem with Franklin is his inconsistency in making catches. Waddle is everything these two couldn’t be in the past couple of years for the Broncos. He’s fast, quick, an excellent route-runner, and has great hands. For Mims, this is a contract year. He’s either fighting to get an extension from the Broncos or make enough noise to secure a nice payday in 2027. Franklin has two years left on his contract. He’s playing to carve out a role on the team so he can have a better opportunity to fight for a contract next season. Broncos have gotten two good years from Brandon Jones; is an extension in the cards? Marvin Mims knows 2026 might be his last year with Broncos: ‘I’m just going to enjoy it to the fullest’ NFL Network: Falcons TE Kyle Pitts agrees to three-year, $54M contract NFL Network: NFL informs teams, Brendan Sorsby it won’t hold supplemental draft in 2026 2025 collapse ‘fueling’ Christian Watson, Packers: ‘Finish is a big emphasis for us this year’ Seahawks QB Sam Darnold laments his Super Bowl performance despite career-changing win Raiders rookie QB Fernando Mendoza leaning on Tom Brady as he acclimates to NFL Wetzel: NFL’s denial of Brendan Sorsby sends the right message Cops investigate Jets QB Geno Smith after battery accusation Bills great Jim Kelly says he recently had stroke but feels ‘good’ 2026 NFL offseason: Judging biggest overreactions to moves Two Offensive Players Poised to Breakout in 2026 Everything to Know About the NFL’s 23 Joint Practices in 2026
general
Troy Franklin ready for whatever role he has after Broncos' trade for Jaylen Waddle
Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin ranked second on the team last season with 104 targets, 65 catches, 709 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Only Courtland Sutton had more targets, catches, receiving yards and touchdowns. Thus, no one was more affected by Denver’s acquisition of Jaylen Waddle than Franklin. “ He’s a guy who’s coming in who’s a first-rounder,” Franklin told Luca Evans of The Denver Post on Tuesday. “We traded high value for him, and he’s going to get his touches, you know? “But I think the same thing to where we’re not just going to be predictable. . . . ‘Oh, yeah, we’re giving 17 [Waddle] the ball every play.’ It’s just one of those deals where I think we just always gotta be ready.” Franklin, a fourth-round pick in 2024, said before the Waddle trade that he was aiming for his first 1,000-yard season in 2026. That doesn’t seem likely with Waddle and Sutton expected to command most of the targets. While his targets likely decrease, he also is likely to have better looks. “Obviously, I think it’s a bit of both,” Franklin told Evans. “You got a guy coming in like that — obviously he’s getting paid more than me, or whatever the case is. I feel like that’s the thought any receiver has when they get somebody coming into the receiver room, you know? “But I know me, personally, I’m always up for a challenge, competition. I think I’m hyper-competitive. I know what I can do out there, man. Especially just building off of last year. And I’m just building now, with him there. Trying to figure out my role in the offense now, and all that good stuff. And it’s been going good, man.”
WR · DEN
injury
Troy Franklin — Active
Sleeper status change for Troy Franklin (11627). Before: status=Active, injury_status=Questionable. After: status=Active, injury_status=
WR · DEN
analyst
Troy Franklin - On field at minicamp
sleeper-rotowire+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Franklin (hamstring) is participant in practice Wednesday at mandatory minicamp, Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com reports. Franklin missed Denver's loss to New England in the AFC Championship Game due to a hamstring injury, but he now appears back to full health. The 2024 fourth-round pick totaled just 263 receiving yards as a rookie but took a sizeable step forward in 2025, with a 65-709-6 receiving line (on 104 targets) across 17 regular-season appearances. The Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle earlier in the offseason, providing another alpha receiver atop the depth chart alongside Courtland Sutton, so Franklin faces increased competition for targets entering Year 3. If he can take as step forward in his development and build increased chemistry with QB Bo Nix (ankle), though, Franklin could well be the favorite for the No. 3 receiver gig over Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims
analyst
Troy Franklin Back on the Field at Mandatory Minicamp
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) was active during the team's mandatory minicamp practice on Wednesday, according to Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Franklin appears to be over a hamstring injury that prevented him from playing in the loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game back in January. In his second year in the NFL in 2025 after the Broncos made him a fourth-round pick in 2024 out of the University of Oregon, the 23-year-old took a big step forward with 65 catches for 709 yards and six touchdowns on 104 targets in 17 regular-season games (seven starts). He only had 28 receptions (53 targets) for 263 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (six starts) as a rookie in 2024. Franklin's fantasy stock is trending down going into his third year in the league, though, primarily because the Broncos gave up a first-round pick this year for veteran wideout Jaylen Waddle. Between Waddle and Courtland Sutton, there may not be many targets left over for Franklin as he competes for the No. 3 role in Denver in 2026. RotoBaller currently has Franklin ranked as the No. 86 fantasy WR in single-year, half-PPR leagues
general
Two-time UFL Offensive Player of the Year gets another NFL shot, signs with Broncos
Hakeem Butler has parlayed another strong spring into another chance to earn a spot in the NFL this summer. The UFL Offensive Player of the Year signed with the Broncos , per ESPN . Butler, 30, had 29 catches for a UFL-best 641 yards this season with the St. Louis Battlehawks. His 22.1 yards per reception and 71.2 yards per game also led the league. Butler, who also won UFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2024, is listed at 6-foot-5 and 242 pounds. It was that size and speed combination -- he ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash -- that helped him become a Cardinals fourth-round pick in 2019. The Iowa State product missed his entire rookie season with a broken hand, though, and Arizona cut him the following offseason. After bouncing around several rosters and practice squads (and appearing in two games with the Eagles in 2020) over the next several seasons, he joined the XFL in 2023 and turned that into an opportunity with the Steelers , but he got placed on injured reserve and was waived. His 2024 UFL performance helped him get a training camp shot with the Bengals , but he was cut ahead of the season. Broncos coach Sean Payton has long had an affinity for bigger wide receivers, and Butler certainly meets that criteria. Denver traded for Jaylen Waddle this offseason and also has 2025 Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton and recent draft picks Troy Franklin , Pat Bryant and Marvin Mims
general
Broncos are signing UFL WR and reigning offensive player of the year Hakeem Butler
According to NFL Network’s league insider Mike Garafolo, the Denver Broncos are signing veteran UFL wide receiver and reigning Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler in advance of their mandatory minicamp, which starts this week. Butler is a former 4th-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals who has bounced around the NFL for a bit before having stints in the CFL, XFL, and most recently, the UFL. He has played for the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers , Philadelphia Eagles , BC Lions (CFL), Edmonton Elks(CFL), St. Louis Battlehawks (XFL), Pittsburgh Steelers , Cincinnati Bengals , and the St. Louis Battlehawks again (UFL), before now signing with the Denver Broncos. Butler is a 30-year-old wide receiver coming off a UFL season where he totaled 29 catches for 641 yards and is a 2x UFL Offensive Player of the Year. He is listed at 6-5, 242 pounds and will now compete for a roster spot on the Denver Broncos roster. This is an interesting signing for the Broncos. Butler is a veteran wide receiver and 30 years old, but his production at the UFL is intriguing. Sure, it’s against lower competition, but he has good size, good speed, and has some impressive YAC plays. Those will be harder to do in the NFL naturally, but this is an intriguing addition to the Broncos’ wide receiver room. They have had success with Dondrea Tillman coming from the UFL to the Broncos and becoming a key backup on their defense, so maybe they can find something here in Butler. If Butler wants to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster or at least their practice squad, he will have to beat out some tough competition. Jaylen Waddle , Courtland Sutton , Pat Bryant , Troy Franklin , and Marvin Mims Jr. all seem locked into roster spots, with Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy being their veteran backups the coaching staff seems to like. Then you have UDFA’s Dane Key , Joseph Manjack IV, Cameron Ross, and Kolbe Katsis, as well as veteran Michael Woods, all fighting for a spot on the Broncos practice squad. So, it won’t be easy for Butler to crack the Broncos roster, but the size, speed, athleticism, and talent are there, and he has a chance to be a surprise for the Broncos. No corresponding move has been announced as of yet, so when that happens, we will update this story with that information
general
Oregon Ducks Football Favorite NFL Duck
I have to admit to not watching pro sports much, if at all. When I moved to Eugene in 1993, the Ducks became my favorite team and I had pretty much stopped watching pro sports, including the NFL. My favorite team way back when was the Oakland Raiders, but after all the moving around they did I stopped following them. When I was living in the Seattle area, I had zero interest in Seattle teams and that continues to this day. Living in Eugene was different. I could invest emotionally in Ducks sports, because the UO was not going to pick up and move out of state. I continued to ignore the NFL. That stance has softened, and when Bo Nix was picked up by the Broncos I started watching some Broncos games. I’ve been following the Broncos because they have one of my favorite Ducks playing for them, and Nix isn’t on a bad team with a crappy OL that’s not worth my time. That’s the genesis for this poll. Bo Nix is my favorite NFL Duck, because of his story; but also, he has compelled me to actually watch some NFL since signing with Denver. So, then, who is your favorite Duck? I have a selective poll. I’m polling from players that had significant playing time last year and weren’t injured. There’s a lot of recent draftees that are probably deserving of a separate look. I likely have neglected someone you thought about, so let us know in the comments. They are: Justin Herbert – LA Chargers , Bo Nix – Denver Broncos I don’t have to elaborate on these players – we know who and what they are. Troy Franklin – Denver Broncos Franklin played in 17 games last year and started in seven. His first NFL career TD pass in 2024 was a play where only former Ducks touched the ball ( Alex Forsyth – C, Bo Nix – QB). Penei Sewell – Detroit Lions Has started and played every game for the Lions since 2021. Last year, he was graded the best tackle in the NFL for the second time in his career. Evan Williams – Green Bay Packers Last year, Williams played in 16 games and started in 15 of them. He’s done very well, going from a 4th round pick to a starting safety in 2024. DeForest Buckner – Indianapolis Colts Started at DT last season, didn’t play the full season because of a neck injury. With the exception of ‘24 and ‘25, Buckner has been a starter since he came into the league in 2016, starting for the 49ers and the Colts. Arik Armstead – Jacksonville Jaguars Armstead played nine seasons for the 49ers and has been with Jacksonville for the past two seasons. He has rebounded from a torn MCL in 2023, and played in 16 games while starting 11 last year. Troy Dye – LA Chargers Dye was drafted by Minnesota in 2020 and played four seasons there. He signed with the Chargers in 2024, and had his most successful pro year in ‘25, playing in 16 games and starting seven. Christian Gonzalez – New England Patriots Gonzalez has played with New England since being drafted in 2023. He has been a starter starting in ‘24, having started and played in all regular and postseason games. Earlier this year, the Patriots picked up their fifth-year option on his contract. Juwan Johnson – New Orleans Saints Johnson was drafted by the Saints in 2020, and last year he signed a three-year, $30.75 million contract extension. Following that, he had his most successful pro season to date, playing in 17 games while starting ten. Johnson had career highs in receptions and total yards last season. Who is your favorite NFL Duck?
general
Broncos WR Pat Bryant has been a standout player during OTAs
The battle to be the Broncos’ WR3 is on! One of the more interesting positional battles to watch this offseason and into training camp and the preseason is who will be the Broncos’ WR3 behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton . The three players competing for that role are Troy Franklin , Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr. All three players have had their moments during their young careers, but now they will be competing against each other for snaps and a larger role in the offense. Well, according to head coach Sean Payton, second-year wide receiver Pat Bryant has been an early standout player during the Broncos’ OTA practices. Payton told reporters on Thursday that Bryant “has a confidence about him” and that you wouldn’t know that he was a second-year player based on how he carries himself. “He’s a quick study. He gets it real fast. I think one of his great skill sets is his run after the catch because his feet stay on the ground when he catches it. He has strong hands in traffic. He’s having a good stretch here. He’s healthy. Certainly in Year 2, he knows exactly what to do. There’s a confidence about him, a maturity. You wouldn’t feel like he was a second-year player if you didn’t know it.” The fact that Payton singled out how Bryant is a quick study is noteworthy. We know that the ability to process information is a trait that he likes in his players, and if Bryant is picking up the offense quickly, that should benefit him in this competition. Add in Bryant’s confidence and maturity on top of him having a good stretch of practices, and we can assume he could be the early favorite for the WR3 job. Payton was asked about the competition at the wide receiver position after they added Jaylen Waddle to the room. He told reporters that all the guys are working well together and that it’s exciting to see. “I think it’s strong, and I don’t want to just talk about three, or five or seven. When you add to a room like that with someone like Jaylen’s skill set, the level of competition and the results of all of them improve immensely. We’re kind of seeing that in practice. Those guys work together well. It’s exciting to see. It’s an area we felt like if we had an opportunity to address before the draft, fortunately we were able to. I’ve said this before: it was going to be difficult at our pick to find someone of that skill set. We feel fortunate it was able to get done.” Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. will have something to say about this battle before we get to Week 1, but Bryant felt like the early favorite to me from the beginning. Payton spoke highly of him last season, and he showed real flashes later in the year before injuries derailed his promising-looking rookie season. He is a sure-handed physical player known for his run blocking ability; he can make plays over the middle of the field, and he’s impressing Payton with his processing ability. It’s still very early, and this battle is just beginning. We won’t get a real idea of how things are shaking out until training camp, especially those padded practices. With that said, this is a promising start for Bryant, and hopefully, he can continue to stack these days together and make a real push to be the Broncos WR3 this upcoming season
analyst
Troy Franklin a Dynasty Hold with Potentially Rough Times Ahead
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin took a sizable step forward in 2025, more than doubling his targets, receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown totals from an underwhelming 2024 rookie campaign. Unfortunately, with changes coming to the Broncos offense in 2026, Franklin's production is likely to plateau or crater following his WR33 finish. Quarterback Bo Nix is at his best when he's spreading the ball around, and following the additions of Jaylen Waddle via trade and capable pass-catching running back Jonah Coleman through the draft, Franklin will have a hard time reaching anything close to his 18% target share from 2025. Veteran Courtland Sutton still profiles as the go-to red zone weapon, and second-year player Pat Bryant showed flashes down the stretch and looked to be a major part of the game plan in two separate playoff outings that he left early with injury. Still only 23 years old and RotoBaller's WR79, Franklin is a dynasty hold coming off a 65-catch, 709-yard season. That said, even though Sutton is already north of 30, he agreed to a four-year extension last season that keeps him under contract through the 2029 season, meaning any eventual takeover by Franklin is likely to be a gradual one with fantasy frustrations along the way
general
Sean Payton and the Broncos have a ‘crystal clear vision’ for WR Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen Waddle made his debut at Broncos OTA practice, showcasing his speed and versatility. Head coach Sean Payton expressed confidence in Waddle's fit, stating the team has a "crystal clear vision" for how to utilize his playmaking abilities both inside and outside the slot. Waddle's presence is expected to elevate the entire Broncos receiving corps, drawing attention away from Courtland Sutton and creating opportunities for Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin
general
Courtland Sutton unconcerned with who is Broncos No. 1 receiver after Jaylen Waddle's arrival
Courtland Sutton stated he is unconcerned with being the primary wide receiver for the Denver Broncos following the acquisition of Jaylen Waddle. Sutton emphasized a team-first mentality and confidence that targets will distribute naturally based on performance, referencing the team's success with a selfless approach last season. The Broncos already spread the ball around in 2025, with Troy Franklin and Evan Engram also recording significant receptions
general
UDFA Kolbe Katsis is a speedy WR/KR who could make some noise this summer
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
The Denver Broncos signed undrafted free agent Kolbe Katsis, a speedy WR/KR from Northern Arizona. Katsis faces a tough battle for a 53-man roster spot or practice squad position due to the Broncos' stacked wide receiver room, but his return ability could help him stand out
general
Denver Broncos roster review: Wide receiver Cameron Ross
Cameron Ross, a wide receiver from Virginia, is a developmental prospect for the Broncos practice squad due to the team's depth at the position. Despite a challenging collegiate career with injuries, Ross possesses speed, yards-after-catch ability, and return skills that make him an intriguing option for the practice squad
general
UDFA WR Joseph Manjack IV is an intriguing practice squad candidate for the Broncos
Yahoo Sports NFLSource ↗
At the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos agreed to terms with a total of 13 undrafted free agents to go along with their seven draft picks. One of those undrafted free agents was TCU wide receiver Joseph Manjack IV. Manjack IV is a 6-2, 197-pound wide receiver with 4.51 speed and a 36.5-inch vertical jump who started his college career at USC before playing at Houston for three seasons and then this past year at TCU. During his college career, he appeared in 50 games and totaled 134 receptions for 1,732 yards and 13 touchdowns. This past year for TCU, Manjack IV appeared in 13 games and totaled 44 receptions for 579 yards and 3 touchdowns. Now, he joins a loaded Broncos wide receiver room where he has very low odds of cracking the 53-man roster. The reality of the situation is that he is competing with veterans Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy for a spot on their 16-man practice squad, and history shows that those two will be tough to replace. Sean Payton and the Broncos coaching staff trust those two, and they are the current favorites to be the wide receivers on the Broncos’ practice squad. Joseph Manjack IV | Wide Receiver | Denver Broncos Height: 6-2 Weight: 197 pounds Arm Length: 31 1/4 inches Hand Size: 9 1/8 inches Experience: Rookie 40-time: 4.51 seconds Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches Short Shuttle: 4.15 seconds 3-Cone Drill: 6.84 seconds Bench Press: 9 reps The reality of the situation is that it’s going to be tough for him to stick around. Looking at the roster currently, Jaylen Waddle , Courtland Sutton , Marvin Mims , Troy Franklin , and Pat Bryant are locked into roster spots. After that, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy have been the veteran depth on the roster for multiple years now. Many UDFA wide receivers have come and gone, while these veterans have stuck around. Forget the 53-man because that’s highly unlikely. Manjack IV and the rest of the Broncos undrafted rookies will be competing with Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy for a spot on the Broncos 16-man practice squad. Those two have the clear edge because they know the offense and have the trust of the coaching staff. Hell, LJH made a key play in the Broncos Divisional Round victory over the Bills, and Bandy scored a touchdown during their victory over the Packers late in the year. Taking either of these spots on the team will be difficult. Manjack IV will need to show he can be a trusted wide receiver and contribute in other ways on the team. LJH is known for his blocking and has made some key plays for the team as a wide receiver. Bandy is your prototypical slot receiver who is a savvy route runner who can contribute as a returner as well. Manjack IV will likely need to show he can be a reliable wide receiver, route runner, and special teamer if he wants to make the team. It will be tough, but Manjack IV does have traits that Sean Payton typically looks for in a player. He’s sure-handed, known for his blocking, has decent size, and has the character/work ethic they value. It will be tough, but Manjack IV will have the opportunity to impress the Broncos coaches throughout the offseason and during training camp and preseason. It will be tough for Manjack IV or any of the undrafted wide receivers the Broncos signed to stick around. Barring multiple injuries or surprise trades, there really isn’t a spot on the 53-man roster for them, and as I mentioned, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Michael Bandy will be tough to replace as the preferred depth options. Manjack IV will need to have a strong summer if he wants to stick around. Obviously, making plays as a wide receiver helps, but his ability to block and contribute on special teams might be more important for him. Being able to contribute in multiple ways will significantly improve his chances of making the practice squad and force the Broncos to find a way to keep him. It will be tough, but not impossible. Manjack IV has the traits the team typically likes in a pla [... truncated ...]
analyst
Troy Franklin Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Troy Franklin's playing time may be reduced in Denver due to the team's offseason acquisition of Jaylen Waddle
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.