Feb. 15, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a> will be on the hunt for defensive line help capable of playing inside this offseason.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Bengals<\/a> have Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai heading to free agency, sure. But first-rounders Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart are the long-term plans there.\u00a0<\/p>\n Since DJ Reader left years ago, though, the Bengals haven\u2019t been able to recover on the interior.<\/p>\n That’s one reason Bleacher Report\u2019s Moe Moton<\/a> says Denver Broncos defender John Franklin-Myers is one of the most important signings the Bengals could make this offseason:\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAt 6’4″, 288 pounds, John Franklin-Myers has lined up in different spots across defensive lines, on the interior and on the end. In a three-down role, he’s exactly what Cincinnati needs up front to help out the pass rush and run defense. Over the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos, the 29-year-old has recorded 65 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 44 pressures, and 14 tackles for loss.\u201d<\/p>\n Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a><\/p>\n RELATED:6 Bengals veterans who won\u2019t be on Zac Taylor\u2019s roster next year<\/a><\/p>\n While 29 years old, Franklin-Myers is a good example of what the Bengals might hope to do in free agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n When it comes to outside additions, proven veterans who can get in the mix at a problem area, but not break the bank, feel like a must. Spotrac<\/a> has Franklin-Myers\u2019 market value at roughly $7.9 million per year over two seasons, so it would work.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Bengals still hope Kris Jenkins Jr. can be a key part of the future, but the rotation needs help. TJ Slaton looks like a cut candidate, so adding more to help Jenkins and BJ Hill seems like an obvious free agency priority.<\/p>\n