The Tennessee Titans are wasting no time in NFL free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $63 million deal with veteran defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The Titans are getting a defensive star who racked up 14+ sacks across the last two seasons to line up next to Jeffrey Simmons. One major free-agent need has now been addressed by Titans’ GM Mike Borgonzi.
Tennessee Titans Sign John Franklin-Myers to $63M Contract
The Tennessee Titans entered 2026 NFL free agency on Monday with a lot of money to spend, and they’re checking one major box off the list. Other than superstar Jeffrey Simmons, the defensive line needed much attention, and the acquisition of John Franklin-Myers will certainly fill that void.
A monster deal for @J_FranklinMyers on a deal negotiated by @brady_cliff of @CapSportsAdv.
The former Denver Broncos‘ star racked up 7.5 sacks last year and 7.0 the previous season before spending time with new Tennessee Titans’ head coach Robert Saleh in New York. It’s no surprise that Saleh is reuniting with John Franklin-Myers after the team acquired ex-Jet Jermaine Johnson last week.
John Franklin-Myers Titans’ Contract
The Tennessee Titans are paying Franklin-Myers $42 million in guarantees, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The Tennessee Titans’ front office clearly views the former Broncos pass rusher as a cornerstone piece for Robert Saleh’s defense moving forward — and there’s a direct connection that makes this signing feel inevitable. Saleh coached Franklin-Myers during his time with the New York Jets, and once called him “absolutely dominant” at his best.
This isn’t a blind free-agency swing — the Titans knew exactly what they were getting. Saleh was Franklin-Myers’ head coach with the Jets from 2021 to 2023, and the two built a strong working relationship during that time. Titans edge rusher Jermaine Johnson — who played alongside Franklin-Myers in New York — was openly recruiting his former teammate to Nashville in the days leading up to free agency.
Pairing Franklin-Myers with Jeffery Simmons gives the Titans one of the more formidable interior duos in the AFC. That’s a defensive front that can wreck game plans.
Titans’ Defensive Overhaul Underway
The Titans inked Franklin-Myers to a contract on Monday and announced another huge free-agent signing just minutes after the deal. Former New Orleans Saints‘ defensive back Alontae Taylor will be lining up on the outside in 2026 for the two-tone blue, signing a three-year contract with the Titans.
Tennessee also signed Cordale Flott and Daniel Bellinger from the New York Giants, while Mitchell Trubisky came over from the Buffalo Bills to back up franchise quarterback Cam Ward.
Time will tell if the Titans choose to invest in another defensive edge or middle linebacker, and we’ll likely get a clearer picture of what the team aims to do with the No. 4 overall back based on the upcoming free-agent decisions.
Tennessee Titans Bulk Up Defensive Line With $63M Splash Signing