The Chicago Bears were somewhat connected to the sweepstakes to land Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders, but ultimately missed out on the top defensive end trade target this offseason.
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The Baltimore Ravens are set to give two first-round picks to the Raiders for Crosby, and after missing the playoffs, had better value for those picks than what Chicago could have offered.
Curse of success?
The Bears are in need of pass rushing help before free agency at both defensive end and defensive tackle.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Chicago is likely to attack the interior defensive line this week.
“Yes, they could use pass-rush help,” Fowler wrote. “But I don’t sense Chicago is desperate for a splashy pass rusher. Much will depend on price. Interior rush help could be the way to go.”
The Chicago Bears could add John Franklin-Myers
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Fowler didn’t directly connect the Bears to an interior defensive lineman, but later in his article he suggested “several teams” are in the mix for Denver Broncos interior pass-rusher John Franklin-Myers.
“I continue to hear that John Franklin–Myers will hit it big in free agency,” Fowler wrote. “He’s the top interior rusher on the market and the draft isn’t overly strong at his spot. He has several teams in the mix.”
The six-foot-four, 288-pound defensive lineman was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s spent time with the New York Jets (signed a four-year $55 million contract extension in 2021) before being traded to the Broncos in 2024.
Franklin-Myers, 29, has appeared in 114 games and started 83 during his seven-year NFL career. He’s recorded 200 tackles, 34 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The former Stephen F. Austin standout appeared in 16 games and started 15 for the Broncos last season. He recorded 25 tackles and 7.5 sacks.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bears were one of the teams interested in the pass-rusher this week.
Chicago Bears land secondary help in USA Today’s latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft
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