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LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – MAY 09: (L-R) Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears look on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 09, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears’ focus on rebuilding the trenches this offseason has taken another interesting turn.

The Bears have been named a possible suitor for Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.

Bleacher Report’s 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 “a disruptive difference-maker who has been productive at every stop and in multiple roles.”

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 “lacks the lateral speed and bend to turn pressures into a bunch of sacks from edge alignments,” he remains “an active inside rusher who can play as a defensive tackle or 5-technique with his 6-foot-4, 288-pound frame.”

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 Bears’ 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 season’s 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. 

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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