Bears fan-favorite free agent target already has another team on his mind due to something out of Chicago’s control
John Franklin-Myers might not be a option for the Chicago Bears based on his recent social media post.
Even if the 2026 NFL Draft will fill the headlines this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, free agency always come first in the NFL offseason and it’s creeping even closer.
It’s still anyone’s guess how aggressive the Chicago Bears will be on the open market with some people wanting the Bears to chase a top pass rusher such as Maxx Crosby or Trey Hendrickson while others would rather the team invest through the draft.
One free agent name I’ve seen frequently discussed among the fanbase on social media has been John Franklin-Myers, one of the top defensive tackle names set to hit the market. He’s certainly a viable option to consider to upgrade Chicago’s defensive line, but it seems he has other desires.
John Franklin-Myers could prioritize landing with the Tennessee Titans after latest coaching hires
Coaches play a major role in deciding where players want to sign in free agency and the Bears finally have a staff that can lure in the big names led by head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. But, that duo might not be enough to lure Franklin-Myers to Chicago.
Over the weekend, Franklin-Myers went to social media and wrote “You thinking what I’m thinking?” on a post announcing Tanzel Smart as one of the new assistant coaches for the Tennessee Titans. Justin Melo noted on X that Franklin-Myers and Smart were teammates together with the Jets under former head coach, and now Titans head coach, Robert Saleh.
Familiarity goes a long way for veteran free agents and it could play a role in Franklin-Myers choosing his new team in a few weeks. That same mindset is why so many former New Orleans Saints defenders are being linked to the Bears to reunite with Allen, which includes LB Demario Davis and DT Cameron Jordan.
We still got a few weeks to go until the free agency window opens, but if Franklin-Myers gets his wish, it’s likely we see the 34.0-sack defensive tackle stay in the AFC. If that’s the case, Bears fans would need to find a new fan-favorite defensive tackle for Chicago to go after.
Here are some other potential defensive tackle names in free agency for the Bears to consider: D.J. Reader, Sebastian Joseph, Calais Campbell, and David Onyemata.
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