Denver Broncos add quality depth to their defense and special teams units just weeks before 2025 NFL Draft
The Denver Broncos are signing free agent safety Sam Franklin Jr. to a one-year contract, per a report from NFL insider Ari Meirov. An undrafted free agent signed by the Panthers in 2020, Franklin has spent his entire five-year NFL career in Carolina. He has most notably been a special teams ace, but has also […]
The Denver Broncos are signing free agent safety Sam Franklin Jr. to a one-year contract, per a report from NFL insider Ari Meirov.
An undrafted free agent signed by the Panthers in 2020, Franklin has spent his entire five-year NFL career in Carolina. He has most notably been a special teams ace, but has also played nearly 800 defensive snaps with nine starts.
After losing big-time special teams contributor Tremon Smith, Franklin is a nice signing for Denver. However, don't count Franklin out as also being a helping hand as a rotational safety on defense. In 2023 Franklin played a career-high 289 defensive snaps, recording 30 total tackles and one interception, which he returned 99 yards for a touchdown.
In 2024, Franklin suffered a broken foot during training camp, costing him the first seven games of the regular season. When he returned, Franklin continued to be great on special teams, but couldn't get into rhythm with the defense, playing just four snaps for the unit.
Franklin will compete with the likes of JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell, and Devon Key to join the Broncos' safety group, and his special teams ability could give him an edge over those guys. Denver solidified its safety corps by signing Talanoa Hufanga at the beginning of free agency.
The acquisition of Franklin won't likely prevent the Broncos from taking a safety in the 2025 NFL Draft if they see fit to do so. He and Locke are only under contract for 2025, and Denver has an out on starter Brandon Jones' contract after the 2025 season if it wants to take it. However, safety is probably pretty far down on the Broncos' priority list as they will likely focus on adding some more firepower on offense.
Denver Broncos set to host a fast-rising 2025 NFL Draft prospect that would fill their biggest remaining position of need
He would be a tremendous fit for Denver.
