The Chicago Bears are about to embark on their first full offseason with Ben Johnson as head coach. The team accomplished a lot in 2025, including an 11-6 record and a Divisional Round appearance. As the team moves into 2026, they will look to improve and develop as they settle into potential Super Bowl expectations following their breakout year. The first move Chicago needs to make is to address their issues on the roster.
The Bears don’t have many glaring needs, but the biggest one they’ll need to address is their lack of pressure on the quarterback. Pro Football Focus ranked them as the 25th-best team in terms of pass rush. Montez Sweat led the team in sacks with 10, but PFF had his pass-rush grade tied for just 39th best in the league among defensive linemen.
Luckily, as the free agency period rolls around, Chicago is projected to be one of the hottest destinations as players look to join the culture they’ve established and the success they found.
With that, there are several options they could choose to help boost their pass rush, and Sports Illustrated has them linked to one of their top-five players available.
Chicago Bears Linked to DE John Franklin-Myers
GettyJohn Franklin-Myers collected 7.5 sacks and 25 total tackles for the Denver Broncos across 16 games in 2025.
Kristopher Knox listed the Chicago Bears as a potential suitor for Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers on Sports Illustrated’s 2026 NFL Free Agency Big Board. Knox had Franklin-Myers listed as the number five available option among all free agents.
“John Franklin-Myers might not be the biggest name among defenders headed to market. However, the 29-year-old is a disruptive difference-maker who has been productive at every stop and in multiple roles,” Knox wrote.
“Over the last two years, Franklin-Myers has compiled 14.5 sacks, 44 quarterback pressures, and 14 tackles for loss. That’s impressive production, especially considering he’s played alongside sack artists like Nik Bonitto, Zach Allen, and Jonathon Cooper.”
Myers would offer the Bears flexibility along the line, as he has experience playing both edge and interior. He would also offer defensive coordinator Dennis Allen a versatile piece to utilize in different packages, as they will most likely add other pieces to the line via free agency or the NFL Draft.
Knox has Franklin-Myers projected to sign a three-year deal worth up to $44 Million. As of now, the Chicago Bears will have $4,301,355 in Cap Space for 2026, but Chicago is expected to make some moves that will free up room for 2026.
DJ Moore Listed as Potential Trade Candidate
GettyDJ Moore recorded 682 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns, along with 79 rushing yards and an additional touchdown on the ground for the Chicago Bears during the 2025 regular season.
DJ Moore has been recently scrutinized for his ‘lack of effort’ on his route that many believe led to Caleb Williams interception in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. That interception, of course, kept the Bears from being able to kick a game-winning field goal and eventually led to the Rams knocking Chicago out of the playoff race.
Following the conclusion of the Bears’ season, Tom Dierberger of Sports Illustrated listed Moore as a top trade candidate for Chicago.
“Moore has four seasons remaining on his four-year, $110 million contract extension he signed in July 2024. At 28, Moore still has plenty of great football ahead of him, but the Bears are not lacking any depth at wide receiver,” Dierberger states. “Perhaps striking a trade now while Moore’s stock remains high would benefit the club in the long term.”
With Chicago having the 12th-lowest amount of Cap Space in the league next season, moving off of Moore’s massive contract makes sense, given that the receiving core is an area of strength for the team.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Chicago Bears Linked to $44 Million Free Agent Signing appeared first on Heavy Sports.