As the Chicago Bears continue shaping their roster for the future, attention is once again turning to the defensive line. While the upcoming free agent class features several high-profile names, one disruptive defender has quietly emerged as a top suitor for Chicago.
Chicago Bears Linked to Top 5 Free Agent
According to Bleacher Report, the Bears are among the leading teams positioned to pursue Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.
“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 Jonathan Cooper.”
This season, Franklin-Myers appeared in 16 games, recording 25 total tackles and 7.5 sacks while playing a key role in one of the NFL’s most dominant pass-rushing units that led the league with 68 total sacks.
The Bears could certainly use him. Despite leading the league in interceptions and turnovers created on defense, the Bears rank 29th in total team defense through Week 18, giving up 361.8 yards per game.
More specifically, the Bears’ rushing defense ranks 27th with 134.5 yards given up per game and 15 rushing TDs given up. And when talking about getting to the quarterback, the Bears struggled mightily, tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for last in pass-rush-win-rate at just 29%.
Adding Franklin-Myers in the mix could help flip the script on defense.
Why John Franklin-Myers Could Elevate the Bears’ Defense
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 29: John Franklin-Myers #98 of the Denver Broncos reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter.
A former fourth-round pick, Franklin-Myers has carved out a reputation as a reliable, scheme-versatile defender who has been productive at every stop of his career.
Just take a look at the number of games he’s appeared in since his rookie year:
- 2018: 16 games
- 2020: 15 games
- 2021: 16 games
- 2022-2024: 17 games respectively
- 2025: 16 games
It’s not just availability that makes Franklin-Myers an enticing add. He’s also recorded three or more sacks as a defensive tackle since 2020. It’s impressive, and he still has a lot left in the tank at 29 years old.
Bleacher Report projects Franklin-Myers to land a three-year, $44 million contract, with the Bears listed as one of his top potential suitors alongside the Dallas Cowboys.
While Dallas has been mentioned as a possibility, their already-loaded defensive line featuring Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and Osa Odighizuwa could make a significant push to sign Franklin-Myers unlikely, leaving Chicago as a more realistic landing spot.
If the Bears are unable to land Franklin-Myers, they could pivot to other elite options on the market.
The four players listed ahead of Franklin-Myers on Bleacher Report’s list include pass rushers Jaelan Phillips (No. 4), Trey Hendrickson (No. 2), center Tyler Linderbaum (No. 3), and wide receiver George Pickens (No. 1).
With a clear need for help at pass rusher, Hendrickson or Phillips would be logical options if Chicago misses out on Franklin-Myers.
Bears Emerge as Favorites to Sign Top 5 Free Agent