The Denver Broncos have witnessed numerous players reach new career highs during the 2025 NFL season, helping to build optimism for 2026. Among these emerging talents is Troy Franklin, the team’s second-year wide receiver, who has publicly declared his intentions to make 2026 a defining year. Franklin’s ambitions include surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and significantly boosting his touchdown and reception numbers, underlining his commitment to taking the next step in his development.
Progress and Growth in Franklin’s Early Career
Unlike some veterans such as left tackle Garett Bolles, who only peaked in his ninth NFL season, Franklin is still on the upward trajectory typical for young players. After completing his rookie year with 28 receptions, 263 yards, and 2 touchdowns, Franklin more than doubled these totals in 2025, finishing with 65 receptions, 709 yards, and 6 touchdowns. This improvement is promising for a receiver who just completed his 22nd year and has room to grow.
Physical Development Plans to Enhance Performance
Franklin’s physical growth is another key part of his 2026 strategy. Weighing approximately 184 pounds at the end of the 2025 season, he intends to add about 10 pounds in the offseason, aiming to arrive at training camp at 195 pounds. This added mass is expected to improve his ability to physically compete at the line of scrimmage and create separation, a trait seen in established Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who uses his larger frame to his advantage on the field.
Implications for the Broncos’ Wide Receiver Group
The Broncos have struggled to maintain stable and reliable wide receiver contributions over recent years, making Franklin’s potential breakout particularly important. While the team is likely to pursue additional reinforcements in the wide receiver room during the offseason, Franklin’s continued improvement could elevate the entire group’s performance. His progress offers hope that Denver might develop a more potent and consistent aerial attack moving forward.
Franklin’s Confidence and Future Outlook
Speaking with Luca Evans of The Denver Post during Super Bowl Radio Row in San Francisco, Franklin outlined his clear goals:
“I’m going to get a 1,000-yard season,”
he said.
“I’m going to double up the touchdowns. And receptions, I need to probably get about 80 or 100.”
Franklin’s combination of youth, recent performance gains, and planned physical growth positions him as a strong candidate to emerge as a key offensive weapon for the Broncos in 2026. His commitment to expanding his production and improving his skillset will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as Denver seeks to build on last season’s successes and compete at a higher level.
