SAN FRANCISCO — Troy Franklin is determined to elevate his performance to reach a 1,000-yard receiving season by 2026. The 22-year-old Denver Broncos wide receiver shared his goal during a Super Bowl Radio Row interview, emphasizing his commitment to making a significant leap after finishing his sophomore season with 65 receptions, 709 yards, and six touchdowns.
Franklin’s progress comes after an offseason of focused training inspired by Broncos head coach Sean Payton, who urged him to play with the precision and agility of a Tesla: quick starts, sharp stops, and crisp movements. This guidance contributed to Franklin’s growth in his second year in the league, although he believes there is more to accomplish before the target season arrives.
Challenges and Missed Opportunities in the 2025 Season
Franklin’s second year saw both highlights and setbacks. Notably, he missed a crucial AFC Championship game due to a hamstring strain, marking his first missed appearance of the 2025 season. His absence was felt keenly as the Broncos struggled to generate offense against the New England Patriots in snowy conditions at Empower Field.
Despite finishing the season second among NFL receivers in screen catches and fourth in yardage gained on screens, Franklin was sidelined for key moments. Reflecting on the loss, he acknowledged the Patriots’ superiority and expressed frustration at not having the whole team available.
“It definitely sucks, though, not having the full team. I think it definitely would be different if we had a full team. But that’s a part of the game, man.”
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Franklin reported his hamstring injury is now improving, requiring no surgery and allowing him to resume running drills as he enters the offseason.
Offensive Struggles and Coaching Changes
Following Denver’s narrow 10-7 playoff loss, Sean Payton dismissed receivers coach Keary Colbert, pointing to an unacceptable number of dropped passes among the receiving corps during the 2025 campaign. Franklin tied for the second-most drops in the NFL, alongside teammate Courtland Sutton, with eight missed opportunities.
When questioned about these struggles and the effect of coaching turnover, Franklin maintained a pragmatic outlook.
“To be honest, everybody in the league drops the ball, so — what are we talking about here?”
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
“Yeah, he said something about passes being dropped the whole year, whatever,”
Franklin continued,
“Yeah, and I agree, to a certain extent. But, you know, even the best — quote-unquote — in the league are dropping passes. So it can go both ways.”
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Targeted Improvements to Achieve Next-Level Performance
Franklin explained that enhancing his release off the line of scrimmage and increasing overall strength are priorities as he prepares for his third NFL season. At 6-foot-3 and around 184 pounds at the close of 2025, he aims to add approximately 10 pounds to enter training camp at 195 pounds, helping him absorb hits and maintain effectiveness through contact.
“Just be a little stronger, be able to just play through contact a little more,”
he said, adding,
“And everything else will be set.”
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
Broncos’ Future Plans Could Depend on Franklin’s Growth
The team’s approach to the offseason may be shaped significantly by their confidence in Franklin’s potential. After injuries depleted the Broncos’ receiving unit during the AFC Championship, including the loss of promising rookie Pat Bryant alongside Franklin’s absence, general manager George Paton expressed a commitment to strengthening the roster.
“We’re always looking to improve at every position,”
Paton said during a postseason press conference, highlighting the urgent need for depth among the pass-catchers.
Should Franklin and Sutton both elevate their games substantially, the Broncos might avoid trading significant assets for high-profile receivers. Franklin’s confidence in his ability to produce higher reception and touchdown totals offers a hopeful glimpse of the team’s offensive future.
Regarding his personal goals, Franklin stated,
“I’m going to get a 1,000-yard season,”
and further asserted,
“I’m going to double up the touchdowns. And receptions, I need to probably get about 80 or 100.”
Troy Franklin, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
He also reflected on the development of the Broncos’ offense over the past season, noting that early-season inconsistencies and penalties had hampered their clean execution, factors he believes will improve moving forward.
Looking Ahead: Preparation and Expectations for 2026
With his hamstring injury healing and a renewed focus on physical strength and precision, Franklin is poised to enter the 2026 season with clear objectives. The support system around him, including a new position coach and an organization eager to bolster its receiving corps, sets the stage for potential breakthroughs.
Franklin’s dedication to refining his craft aligns with the Broncos’ broader strategy to return to championship contention. How his development unfolds will influence decisions on offseason acquisitions and game plans, with the 1,000-yard season benchmark serving as a key indicator of his continued growth as a premier NFL receiver.
