The Cincinnati Bengals are prioritizing improvements on their defensive line as they look ahead to the upcoming NFL season, with a clear focus on adding a force multiplier to their defense. After struggling to generate consistent pressure from the interior defensive tackle position in recent years, the team aims to address this key weakness by targeting John Franklin-Myers Defensive Tackle to enhance their pass rush and run defense.
Decline in Defensive Tackle Production Since DJ Reader’s Departure
Since DJ Reader’s exit following the 2023 season, the Bengals have lacked an above-average presence at defensive tackle, with no player providing sustained interior pressure since Geno Atkins. This gap has been a glaring weakness, making it critical for the Bengals to find a player who can consistently disrupt opposing offenses from the middle of the defensive line.
John Franklin-Myers’ Impact and Career Trajectory
John Franklin-Myers has established himself as one of the most effective interior pass rushers currently available in free agency. Over the past two seasons with the Denver Broncos, he has accumulated 92 pressures and 14.5 sacks, playing a prominent role in their playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship run. His ability to apply pressure up the middle was a key factor in Denver’s defensive success.
After being waived by the Rams in 2019, Franklin-Myers developed into a consistent pass-rushing threat inside the defensive line. From 2020 through 2024, he notched five consecutive seasons with 50 or more pressures and reached career highs in sacks—seven in 2024 and 7.5 last season. His versatility along the line and high-level performance make him a standout option for teams seeking interior defensive strength.
Franklin-Myers’ Dual Strength: Pass Rush and Run Defense
At 29 years old, Franklin-Myers remains a formidable competitor, evidenced by his 10.1% pass rush win rate, ranking eighth among interior defensive linemen in the previous season. Beyond his pass-rushing prowess, he is an effective run defender, registering at least 18 stops each of the past two seasons and earning a 65.4 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade against the run. On average, runners gain just 1.6 yards before he makes a tackle, underscoring his ability to limit yardage on the ground.
Evaluating the Cost and Value of Acquiring Franklin-Myers
The Bengals face the challenge of compensating Franklin-Myers at a competitive salary, as multiple teams are expected to pursue him aggressively during free agency. However, given the departure of star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati’s need to create more pressure on quarterbacks has become urgent. The organization has historically demonstrated a willingness to invest heavily in players who can serve as force multipliers, as seen with their previous signings of DJ Reader and Hendrickson.
Bringing Franklin-Myers into the fold would complement the young talents already on the roster, such as Myles Murphy and Shemar Stewart, enhancing the defensive line’s overall effectiveness. While B.J. Hill has been a solid contributor, pairing him with a dynamic pass rusher like Franklin-Myers could recreate the powerful interior duo the Bengals have lacked in recent seasons, similar to Hill’s successful rotation with Larry Ogunjobi in 2021.
The Critical Role of Interior Pass Rushers in the Bengals’ Success
As the Bengals rebuild their defense, securing a player of Franklin-Myers’ caliber is a strategic move to improve pressure generation and run-stopping ability. Whether they retain T.J. Slaton or bring back DJ Reader, adding a high-impact defensive tackle capable of consistently penetrating the offensive line is essential for the team to compete effectively in the NFL.
Addressing the defensive tackle position with urgency signals that the Bengals are committed to fixing their largest gaps on defense, with Franklin-Myers standing out as a primary candidate to fill this role.
