Bears add John Franklin III to the practice squad

Defensive back John Franklin III is back on the Chicago Bears’ practice squad after being out of football since being released from their practice squad on September 26th.

The 24-year old Franklin was a member of the Bears in the offseason until being released on final cut down day (9/1). He was then added to the practice squad on September 26, taking the place of Jonathon Mincy. But his stay was a short one as the team flip flopped and cut Franklin only to bring Mincy back that same day. The Bears offered up no explanation at that time on the roster shuffle.

Franklin takes the spot of offensive lineman James Stone, who was released on November 17.

From an athletic standpoint, Franklin is top notch, but as a defensive back he’s a work in progress. The 2018 undrafted free agent began his college career at Florida State University as a quarterback from 2013 to 2014. He then went to East Mississippi Community College for a year before attended Auburn University in 2016. Last year he landed at Florida Atlantic University where he played wide receiver.

Jacob wrote about him back in May when the Bears originally signed him.

Franklin, 23, is best known for being one of the main characters on the Netflix original series Last Chance U, a series about NFL hopefuls who attempt to overcome major red flags.

The chances he makes the 53-man roster this year are slim, but with NFL coaching, and another offseason in the program (if the Bears give him a futures deal) he could be a prospect worth watching next year.