The NFL saw a big-time trade go down on March 17, as the Denver Broncos acquired Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for a 2026 first, third, and fourth-round draft picks. While the Broncos took a massive swing to capitalize on their Super Bowl window, it also opened the door for some other players to be moved.
ESPN's Benjamin Solak suggested that with Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and Pat Byrant in the fold for the Broncos, Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims could be on the trade block. And with Denver having an excess at the position, the Bears should call them and see what it would take to bring Franklin to the Windy City.
Bears Should Call Broncos Regarding Troy Franklin
Chicago has made moves to its WR room this offseason, which included DJ Moore being traded to the Buffalo Bills and Olamide Zaccheaus signing with the Atlanta Falcons. They plan to lean on Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze in the WR room. They also signed Kalif Raymond, but that shouldn't stop them from adding another pass catcher to their receiving corps.
Given that need and his apparent availability, Franklin seems like an ideal trade target for this team. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2024 draft and has flashed that he could be a solid weapon. Franklin has played in over 400 snaps in back-to-back seasons and saw his numbers nearly double in several key statistical categories from 2024 to 2025.
Troy Franklin's 2024 Stats | Troy Franklin's 2025 Stats |
|---|---|
Targets: 53 | Targets: 104 |
Catches: 28 | Catches: 65 |
Receiving Yards: 263 | Receiving Yards: 709 |
Receiving Touchdowns: 2 | Receiving Touchdowns: 6 |
Yards Per Reception: 9.4 | Yards Per Reception: 10.9 |
With one season under his belt, Franklin felt more comfortable, and the results showed. But he could be up for grabs, and he would provide Chicago with a cost-effective pass catcher for the next two years. Franklin is signed through the 2027 campaign, with his salary not exceeding $1.4 million in any season.
He stands at 6'3" and ran a 4.41 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. The former Oregon product can stretch the field, as his big frame provides Franklin with the opportunity to box out defenders. It likely wouldn't cost more than a Day 3 pick to get this deal across the finish line, and with the extra bodies in Denver's room, they could be willing to part ways with him.
Chicago feels comfortable with the receivers they have in the building, but injuries are a part of the game. The Bears need to prepare for the worst-case scenario, and trading for Franklin would help them achieve that.
Franklin would give Chicago a young playmaker who could continue his development in the Windy City while raising the floor of the entire unit. Denver's Waddle trade opened the door to this possibility, and the Bears would be smart to take advantage of it to acquire Franklin.