Broncos Sign Veteran Safety to One-Year Deal
The Denver Broncos have added a new face to their roster, signing veteran safety Sam Franklin to a one-year contract, according to a report from Jon Heath of USA Today. This move brings in a player with a solid special teams background and several years of NFL experience as Denver continues to bolster its depth heading into the 2025 season.
Franklin, now 29 years old, has spent the entirety of his five-year NFL career with the Carolina Panthers before hitting free agency this offseason. During the 2024 campaign, he appeared in 10 regular-season games for Carolina. While his involvement on defense was limited—he played just four snaps—Franklin was a significant contributor on special teams, logging 236 snaps in that phase of the game. His consistent presence and reliability in the third phase of football made him a valuable asset for the Panthers throughout his time there.
Now in Denver, Franklin is expected to compete for a similar role on special teams, while also providing depth at the safety position. While he has not seen much playing time on defense in recent years, Franklin brings versatility and experience that can prove valuable in a locker room looking to reinforce its secondary. He will likely be used primarily on coverage units, where he has carved out a reputation as a dependable performer.
Originally signed by the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Temple in 2020, Franklin steadily worked his way up the ranks to become a core special teamer. His work ethic and willingness to contribute in any way possible earned him respect within the Panthers organization, even as the team underwent multiple coaching changes during his tenure.
In Denver, Franklin joins a safety group that is already competitive, with players like Justin Simmons and Caden Sterns expected to lead the way. However, special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica and head coach Sean Payton are always looking to strengthen that unit, and Franklin’s experience will certainly be an asset in that regard. His ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, even if used sparingly on defense, adds a layer of flexibility to the Broncos’ depth chart.
The Broncos’ decision to bring in Franklin also reflects their commitment to improving special teams play—an area that has been inconsistent in recent seasons. With the margin for error in the NFL being razor-thin, having reliable veterans like Franklin who specialize in special teams can often make the difference in close games.
As training camp approaches, Franklin will aim to impress the coaching staff and secure a spot on the 53-man roster. While he may not be a household name, his journey from undrafted free agent to dependable NFL contributor is a testament to his dedication and value to any team’s special teams unit.
This signing is low-risk for Denver but could pay dividends if Franklin continues to perform at a high level in the role he’s carved out for himself over the past five seasons.
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