The Chicago Bearsâ focus on rebuilding the trenches this offseason has taken another interesting turn.
According to a report from The Sporting News, the Bears have been named a possible suitor for Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.Â
Bleacher Reportâs Kristopher Knox projected Franklin-Myers to land a three-year, $44 million deal in free agency, identifying Chicago as a logical landing spot.
After two of the most productive seasons of his career in Denver, the veteran defender is expected to draw significant interest if he reaches the open market.
Knox described Franklin-Myers as âa disruptive difference-maker who has been productive at every stop and in multiple roles.â
That versatility could be exactly what the Bears are looking for as they attempt to solidify a defensive front that struggled at times against the run and lacked consistent interior push.
How John Franklin-Myers Addresses a Major Bears Need
Franklin-Myers has quietly been one of the more dependable interior disruptors in the league over the past two seasons.
Since 2024, he has totaled 14.5 sacks, 44 quarterback pressures and 14 tackles for loss while splitting snaps between defensive tackle and defensive end.
In 2025 alone, he posted 7.5 sacks and 23 pressures, flashing the ability to collapse the pocket from multiple alignments.
ESPN analyst Matt Bowen recently ranked him No. 11 on his list of top 2026 free agents.
Bowen noted that while Franklin-Myers âlacks the lateral speed and bend to turn pressures into a bunch of sacks from edge alignments,â he remains âan active inside rusher who can play as a defensive tackle or 5-technique with his 6-foot-4, 288-pound frame.â
That type of flexibility carries value.
Franklin-Myers is not a pure edge rusher, but he consistently wins with power, effort and leverage.
He can win inside on early downs and kick outside in passing situations, giving the Bears more flexibility up front.
Franklin-Myers would strengthen the Bearsâ four-man rush and help fix a run defense that struggled for much of last season.
$44 Million Price Tag Raises Questions for Bears
Knox projects Franklin-Myers will command a three-year, $44 million contract.
This is a sizable raise from the two-year, $15 million deal he previously signed.
That figure reflects both his recent production and the growing demand for interior defensive lineman.
For Chicago, the fit is clear.
The Bears need reinforcements inside and along the edge.
Franklin-Myers offers a plug-and-play solution who has thrived on a top-ranked Broncos defense.
If the front office is serious about taking another step after last seasonâs playoff appearance, investing in a proven, playoff-tested defender could be a logical next step.
Chicago has already been linked to bigger defensive swings this offseason, including rumors involving Raiders star Maxx Crosby.Â
However, a move of that magnitude would likely require significant draft capital and a massive extension.
If that price proves too steep, Franklin-Myers represents a more realistic alternative who still upgrades the defensive front without forcing the Bears to mortgage future assets.
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