John Franklin-myers draws Titans, Bengals interest as free agency target
The Tennessee Titans and Cincinnati Bengals have emerged as suitors for defensive lineman john franklin-myers as free agency begins, with both teams looking to strengthen their fronts. Tennessee is weighing additions to complement All-Pro tackle Jeffery Simmons, while Cincinnati is seeking help after losing edge rusher Joseph Ossai to the New York Jets.
Robert Saleh and Jeffery Simmons shape Tennessee’s defensive line focus
Tennessee’s plans on the defensive line center on Jeffery Simmons, described as an All-Pro lineman and the Titans’ standout at defensive tackle. New head coach Robert Saleh is set to take over with Simmons as a cornerstone, and the team has identified surrounding him with more talent as a priority as it enters free agency.
The Titans have already started reshaping the front by trading nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat to the New York Jets in exchange for EDGE Jermaine Johnson II. Saleh previously coached Johnson in East Rutherford, and the move signals continued attention on the defensive line as Tennessee seeks additional pieces to improve Saleh’s defense.
The team’s cap outlook also factors into its approach. Titans decision-maker Borgonzi is described as having roughly $92 million in cap space available, and the club is expected to keep targeting defensive linemen. In that context, John Franklin-Myers has been framed as an ideal fit next to Simmons because of his inside-outside versatility and ability against both the pass and the run.
Jermaine Johnson II and Aaron Whitecotton add to John Franklin-myers connections
Multiple ties link Franklin-Myers to Tennessee’s staff and recent additions. Franklin-Myers previously played for Saleh and new Titans defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton with the Jets, and Johnson has publicly recruited him to Tennessee after they were teammates in East Rutherford under Saleh and Whitecotton.
Tennessee’s connections extend further, with new Titans assistant defensive line coach Tanzel Smart also having played on those Jets teams referenced. The Titans have been consistently linked to Franklin-Myers in recent weeks, and those relationships have added momentum to the idea of pairing him with Simmons on the defensive line.
Franklin-Myers’ recent production has also positioned him prominently in the market. A fourth-round pick out of Stephen F. Austin in 2018, he posted a personal-best 7. 5 sacks and 39 pressures this past season while playing on a stacked Denver Broncos defensive line, a performance that has been characterized as setting him up for a significant payday in free agency.
Adam Schefter report and Joseph Ossai deal push Bengals toward John Franklin-myers
Cincinnati’s interest in Franklin-Myers comes as the Bengals attempt to address defensive needs that intensified early in free agency. Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals lost Joseph Ossai to the New York Jets on a three-year, $36 million deal, leaving Cincinnati searching for pass-rush reinforcement.
The Bengals’ situation includes additional pressure on the edge, with Trey Hendrickson expected to sign elsewhere. Against that backdrop, Charlie Clifford of WLWT Channel 5 in Cincinnati reported that the Bengals are actively targeting Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, describing Cincinnati as among the teams seriously pursuing him.
Franklin-Myers’ track record in Denver has been highlighted as a key reason for the pursuit. He has recorded 14 1/2 sacks across two years with the Broncos and has been described as an excellent pass rusher who also holds up as a stout run defender. The immediate question for Cincinnati is financial, as the Bengals would need to commit the money to land him, with the signing framed as potentially their biggest free-agent addition since signing Hendrickson in 2021.
Next steps depend on where john franklin-myers chooses to sign as teams pursue upgrades along the defensive line, with Tennessee continuing its retooling around Simmons and Cincinnati aiming to replace lost production after Ossai’s move to the Jets.
