One of the main priorities for Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles going into the 2026 season is upgrading the interior of the defensive line.
Too many times last season, the unit failed to generate consistent pressure. In the Bears’ biggest game of the season against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round, the interior defensive linemen created just two of the 14 total pressures on quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Andrew Billings led the group with two, and Gervon Dexter Sr. added one pressure. Grady Jarrett, who signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract last March, created none.
The Bears finished 25th in the NFL in quarterback pressures (189) but also allowed the 27th most rushing yards (2,287). Poles must identify some players who can help the defensive line in both areas and will get their first opportunity to do so in free agency.
Here is a look at four interior defensive linemen slated to be available using Pro Football Focus’ defensive line rankings.
DJ Reader, Detroit Lions
Something important to highlight about most of the interior defensive line free agents is that they are 30 or older, and that applies to Reader. The 31-year-old interior defensive lineman finished the 2025 season with 20 total pressures, including three quarterback hits and 17 hurries.
According to PFF, Reader has “never recorded a PFF pass-rush or run-defense grade below 60.0 in any season of his career.” Given that the Bears have had such inconsistencies in pass and run defense from their interior D-line, Reader could provide some stability, even if it’s just for a season.
PFF’s contraction projection: one-year, $4,500,00 | $3,500,000 guaranteed
John Franklin-Myers, Denver Broncos
No team in the NFL had more quarterback pressures from its starting interior defensive line than the Denver Broncos (98). Zach Allen led the way with 58, and Franklin-Myers added 39 quarterback pressures.
Franklin-Myers, 29, finished the 2025 season with eight sacks and 10 tackles in 16 games played. Although the 6-foot-4, 288-pound defender produced better numbers in his 2024 season with the Broncos, the veteran has been consistent throughout his career.
“Dating back to 2020, his 300 total pressures rank 21st among all NFL defenders," PFF wrote. "One of the league's more underrated defensive players, Franklin-Myers could turn that sustained production into a significant contract if he departs Denver.”
Sebastian Joseph-Day, Tennessee Titans
Over the past two seasons in Tennessee, Joseph-Day has played 483 total defensive snaps in back-to-back seasons. He’s been a more productive run defender than he has at pressuring the quarterback. He finished with a career-high 77.7 run defensive grade in 2024.
In his seven-year career, Joseph Day has 115 total quarterback pressures, including 15 sacks, 25 hits, and 75 hurries. He has reached a career-high three sacks three times (2024, 2023, and 2021).
By no means would Joseph-Day solve the Bears’ defensive line issues, but he could provide defensive coordinator Dennis Allen with a veteran rotational piece.
Sheldon Rankins, Houston Texans
Finalizing the list is Rankins, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 305-pound interior defender hasn’t lived up to his draft status, but he is entering his 11th NFL season.
He helped the Texans’ defense finish top 10 in the NFL in sacks, adding five of his own and 44 total quarterback pressures in the 2025 regular season.
Read more: NFL writer's grade for Bears perfectly sums up magical 2025 season
Rankins will be 32 in April, but he played 705 total defensive snaps, which was the second most in his career. He’s someone who could help build the depth for a Bears’ defensive line that needs reliable players.