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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: John Franklin-Myers of Denver Broncos reacts during the NFL 2025 game between Denver Broncos and New York Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 12, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears have been repeatedly connected to Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers in recent weeks.
But a recent social media exchange may signal that one of their top projected free-agent targets already has another destination in mind.
Franklin-Myers commented “You thinking what I’m thinking?” on a post announcing Tanzel Smart as a new assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans.
The eyebrow-raising comment quickly caught attention because of the shared history between the two.
Smart and Franklin-Myers were teammates with the Jets under then-head coach Robert Saleh, with Aaron Whitecotton also on that staff. Both Saleh and Whitecotton are now with the Titans, and that shared history could matter when free agency opens.
For Bears fans hoping general manager Ryan Poles would make a splash along the defensive line, it is not the development they wanted to see.
After Franklin-Myers’ latest comment, the Titans have emerged as a clear favorite for the veteran defensive lineman.
Justin M
Potential #Titans FA target DL John Franklin-Myers comments on new Titans assistant coach Tanzel Smart’s Instagram post.
“You thinking what I’m thinking?” 👀
Smart & Franklin-Myers were teammates with the Jets. Robert Saleh was the HC & Aaron Whitecotton was on staff too.
Familiar Faces Could Complicate Bears’ Pursuit
Coaching connections often play a major role in free agency. Players gravitate toward schemes and staffs they trust and are familiar with, especially when significant money is on the line.
The Bears do have appealing pieces in place. Head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen bring credibility, and Chicago has been connected to several former Allen players this offseason. Names like Demario Davis and Cameron Jordan have surfaced as potential reunion candidates.
But Franklin-Myers’ connection to Robert Saleh and Tanzel Smart could prove more powerful.
Money could ultimately decide this.
The Titans enter the 2026 offseason with roughly $103.5 million in available cap space, the most in the NFL.
Meanwhile, the Bears are navigating a cap crunch and are projected to be between $4 million and nearly $10 million over the limit.
Simply put, Tennessee can outbid Chicago if it chooses to.
Bleacher Report previously projected Franklin-Myers to land a three-year, $43 million contract this offseason. He has earned it. Since the start of the 2024 season, he has totaled 14.5 sacks while consistently generating consistent interior pressure. His versatility to play both inside and on the edge makes him one of the more attractive defensive linemen on the market.
Bears Were Viewed as Ideal Fit
Just days ago, Chicago was named one of the best team fits for Franklin-Myers.
The Bears need help along the interior defensive line. Pairing him with Montez Sweat would have given Allen a disruptive front capable of elevating the entire defense.
Bu the financial gap between the two teams is hard to ignore.
The Bears currently rank near the bottom of the league in available room, and any aggressive signing would require corresponding roster moves.
Tremaine Edmunds has been widely discussed as a potential cap casualty, while other veterans could also be evaluated to try and create space.
Free agency has not officially opened, and social media comments do not guarantee a signing. But familiarity goes a long way in this league.
If Franklin-Myers leans toward a reunion in Tennessee, the Bears may need to start preparing for Plan B.