One thing was very apparent about the 2025 Chicago Bears and is that they were not able to pressure the quarterback on a consistent basis throughout the season.
With just 35 sacks in 17 games and Montez Sweat leading the way with 10 sacks, the Bears desperately need help with making sure they have a good pass rush going every game. Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay looked at the best free agent at each position with their projected contract value and where they could land. Kay, like Denver Broncos defensive end John Franklin-Myers, is signing a three-year, $43 million contract with the Bears.
"While staying with Vance Joseph in the Mile High City wouldn't be a bad option for Franklin-Meyers, landing with the Chicago Bears could be an even better career move for the 29-year-old. Chicago struggled to get pressure on opposing signal-callers this past season, accumulating a middling 35 sacks in total. The team also ranked in the bottom half of the league in both rush and pass defense, an issue that Franklin-Meyers can help shore up with his steady presence in the defensive trenches."
Bears could finally get Montez Sweat help with John Franklin-Myers
This move could really make a difference for the Bears' defense, as Franklin-Myers offers flexibility: he can play as an interior defensive lineman or rush from the outside. Last year, he racked up 39 pressures, 23 hurries, eight quarterback hits, and eight sacks on the season.
There were plenty of disappointments from the Bears' defensive line, which is forcing the team to regroup and fix it. Two free agent signings from last offseason, Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo, each signed multi-year deals but failed to live up to them.
Based on what happened last offseason, the Bears would still be smart to add an edge rusher in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. This way, if Franklin-Myers is a bust like Jarrett and Odeyingbo, they at least have some insurance.
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Chicago will have to bring in multiple guys to fix the defensive line, but Franklin-Myers would be a great start.