The Denver Broncos have made a savvy and strategic move in NFL free agency, officially announcing the signing of standout safety Sam Franklin. The deal comes as the Broncos continue to retool their defense and build depth in the secondary, acquiring the versatile defensive back from one of their top NFC rivals, the Carolina Panthers.
Franklin, 28, has spent his entire NFL career with the Panthers, developing into a reliable contributor and special teams ace. Now, he’s headed to the Mile High City, bringing toughness, experience, and athleticism to a Broncos defense looking to bounce back in 2025.
A Smart, Underrated Move!
While it may not be the biggest headline-grabbing signing of the offseason, Franklin’s addition is widely seen as a smart, high-value move by General Manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton. Franklin brings the kind of versatility that defensive coordinator Vance Joseph values — capable of playing in deep coverage, dropping into the box, and flying downfield on special teams.
In 2023, Franklin played in all 17 games for the Panthers, recording 28 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble while continuing to be a core special teams performer. His high football IQ and work ethic have earned praise from coaches and teammates alike.
Denver’s secondary has been a focus of improvement this offseason, and the signing of Franklin gives the Broncos both insurance and upside. While he may initially slot in as a rotational safety and special teams leader, there’s belief within the organization that Franklin could push for meaningful defensive snaps depending on how the preseason unfolds.
The signing also reflects the team’s desire to get faster and more disciplined on defense after struggling with consistency last season.
Shortly after the announcement, Franklin took to social media, posting: “New chapter. New opportunity. Let’s ride Broncos Country!” His excitement to join a historic franchise like Denver’s is palpable, and coaches are hopeful he can bring leadership and energy to the locker room.
The Broncos’ move to sign Sam Franklin signals that they’re not just swinging for big-name stars — they’re also focused on adding hard-nosed, high-character players who can fill important roles.
With OTAs approaching and training camp around the corner, Franklin will have every opportunity to make his mark in Denver and prove that this “under-the-radar” signing could end up being one of the smartest moves of the offseason.
Broncos Country — welcome Sam Franklin to the orange and blue.
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