Chicago Bears Eye Defensive Line Upgrades: John Franklin-Myers and Maxx Crosby on Radar

The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 offseason with a clear mandate: fix a defensive line that struggled mightily throughout the 2025 campaign. After finishing the regular season with the league’s 29th-ranked defense and recording just 35 sacks in 17 games, the Bears’ front has been widely criticized for its inability to generate consistent pressure. Their pass-rush win rate was 28.8 percent, ranking 31st in the NFL, leaving opposing quarterbacks comfortable and offensive lines largely unchallenged.

In pursuit of solutions, the Bears are reportedly exploring multiple avenues, including trades, free-agent acquisitions, and the upcoming NFL Draft. Among the top names linked to Chicago’s defensive line overhaul is Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers.

John Franklin-Myers: Versatile Pass-Rush Threat

John Franklin-Myers, 29, has carved out a reputation as a disruptive force capable of playing multiple positions along the defensive front. In his seventh NFL season, Franklin-Myers has demonstrated his ability to line up at both defensive end and defensive tackle, creating havoc against both the run and the pass. In 2025, he recorded eight sacks, 18 stops, 23 hurries, and 39 quarterback pressures, earning him the 53rd-best grade among 134 qualifying interior defenders according to Pro Football Focus.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report highlighted Franklin-Myers as an ideal target for Chicago, alongside the Dallas Cowboys, citing his dual-role skill set and consistent production. “The 29-year-old is a disruptive difference-maker who has been productive at every stop and in multiple roles,” Knox wrote. “Franklin-Myers has spent time at both defensive tackle and defensive end, and he’s shown an ability to rush the passer from either spot. While not a true edge-rusher, Franklin-Myers is a capable pressure man who has thrived in the Denver Broncos’ defense over the past two seasons.”

Financially, Franklin-Myers is poised for a significant upgrade from his current two-year, $15 million deal. Knox projects that either Chicago or Dallas could offer a three-year deal worth around $44 million, reflecting both his production and versatility. For the Bears, a player like Franklin-Myers provides an opportunity to upgrade the defensive line on a value-conscious contract while maintaining flexibility for draft-day options.

Pairing Young Talent with Veterans

Chicago’s potential acquisition of Franklin-Myers would align neatly with draft-day strategies. ESPN’s Jordan Reid recently projected that the Bears will target Texas A&M edge-rusher Cashius Howell in April. Howell, who tallied 11.5 sacks this past season—the fourth-most in the FBS—offers energy, tenacity, and disruptive potential on the edge. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, Howell’s relatively modest arm length may concern some scouts, but the Bears’ defensive front requires an immediate playmaker to complement veteran Montez Sweat.

Adding Franklin-Myers alongside a first-round talent like Howell would give Chicago a multi-pronged approach to bolstering the pass rush: a seasoned, versatile interior presence paired with an explosive rookie edge rusher capable of producing early impact. This combination could address the glaring deficiencies that left the team vulnerable on third downs and in passing situations throughout 2025.

Considering a Superstar Upgrade: Maxx Crosby

While Franklin-Myers and Howell would provide tangible improvement, the Bears may also consider a high-profile trade for a true game-changing pass rusher. Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier edge threats, has reportedly expressed frustration with the Raiders’ handling of the final games of the 2025 season. Sources indicate Crosby may be open to a trade for the first time in his career, which could present a rare opportunity for Chicago to secure a proven superstar.

However, acquiring Crosby would not come cheaply. With a nine-figure contract extending through 2029, the Bears would likely need to part with two first-round picks in 2026 and 2027 to land him. While costly, such a move would instantly transform Chicago’s pass rush and signal a win-now approach to the fanbase, particularly if paired with complementary pieces like Franklin-Myers or a draft-day selection.

Strategic Outlook

The Bears face a pivotal offseason in shaping a defensive line capable of competing in the highly competitive NFC North. John Franklin-Myers represents a practical, versatile option to upgrade multiple positions on the line, while the draft offers a chance to secure a young edge-rusher like Cashius Howell. For more ambitious, high-risk/high-reward maneuvers, Maxx Crosby remains the gold standard for immediate impact.

Chicago’s front office will need to balance cost, talent, and long-term roster flexibility, weighing whether incremental upgrades or a blockbuster trade make the most sense. The 2025 season clearly demonstrated that the Bears’ defense requires significant help, particularly in pressuring quarterbacks and generating turnovers. Addressing the defensive line is likely the most urgent priority as the team prepares for 2026.

With the AFC Championship game looming for Denver, Franklin-Myers remains in the spotlight, showcasing the skills that make him such a valuable commodity. His next contract and potential landing spot will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike, particularly in Chicago, where the defensive line is poised for a potential overhaul.

If the Bears successfully add a combination of proven veterans and top draft talent, the team could dramatically improve its pass rush and overall defensive efficiency. With multiple strategies on the table, including both Franklin-Myers and a possible blockbuster like Crosby, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent franchise history.