The Cincinnati Bengals entered the NFL free agency period on Monday with urgent needs to strengthen their defensive squad across various positions. Their defensive outlook took a significant hit early in free agency when they lost edge rusher Joseph Ossai, who signed a three-year, $36 million contract with the New York Jets.
With Ossai’s departure and expectations that Trey Hendrickson will also sign elsewhere, the Bengals are confronting a substantial gap in their pass rush capability. Recognizing this challenge, the team is seeking to bring in a high-impact defender to revitalize their defense.
Bengals Focus on Acquiring John Franklin-Myers as a Key Defensive Addition
Cincinnati is currently pursuing defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, formerly with the Denver Broncos, as a prime target in free agency. According to Charlie Clifford of WLWT Channel 5 in Cincinnati, the Bengals rank among the teams seriously interested in signing Franklin-Myers.
The Bengals are among the teams seriously pursuing DT John Franklin-Myers, per sources,
Clifford stated.
The expectation continues to be that the Broncos free agent will be the first major domino to fall in defensive tackle class.
Clifford added.
Franklin-Myers has consistently performed well as a defensive tackle throughout his NFL career, but he has notably improved his pass-rushing skills over the past two seasons with Denver. During that span, he has accumulated 14.5 sacks, showcasing his ability to pressure quarterbacks effectively.
Adding Franklin-Myers would address multiple issues for the Bengals, who struggled on the defensive line last season. Known equally for his pass rushing and run-stopping abilities, he represents a significant upgrade to their defense.
Financial Commitment and Potential Impact on Bengals’ Defense
The Bengals now face the challenge of offering a competitive contract to secure Franklin-Myers’ services. A successful signing would mark the team’s most significant free agent acquisition since bringing in Trey Hendrickson in 2021 and could result in the largest contract awarded to a free agent in Cincinnati Bengals history.
This move signals the Bengals’ recognition of their defensive vulnerabilities and their intent to rebuild a more formidable pass rush ahead of the upcoming season, addressing the critical losses of Ossai and Hendrickson.
The Bengals are among the teams seriously pursuing DT John Franklin-Myers, per sources.
The expectation continues to be that the Broncos free agent will be the first major domino to fall in defensive tackle class.
— Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) March 9, 2026
