The Denver Broncos are not quite done with free agency ahead of the NFL Draft that will take place later this month.
After signing All-Pro ex-49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga to a three-year, $39 million deal in March, the Broncos still have space in their DB room for another fresh face.
The team is signing former Panthers' safety Sam Franklin Jr. to a one-year deal, per Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team.
What Role Will Sam Franklin Jr. Serve On The Broncos?
The former Panther's predominant use on the Broncos will likely have one sole purpose: special teams.
Franklin has experience playing safety in the NFL: he has started eight games throughout his career, the high point of which was an incredible 99-yard pick-six back in 2023.
However, over the last couple of years in Carolina he fell down the pecking order, going from playing over 200 snaps on defense in 2023 to just four last season.
Nonetheless, Franklin is still a very valuable asset on special teams, where he lead the Panthers in tackles back in 2022 with 13, the most for the franchise in over a decade.
Franklin also brings both squad depth and starting experience to what is an otherwise somewhat lacklustre group beyond the new addition of Hufanga, who, when healthy, is one of the premier safeties in the National Football League.
And with the team likely to focus their efforts on building up their offensive arsenal around second year quarterback, Bo Nix, in this month's draft, finding a quality backup safety and reliable special teamer feels like a smart move.
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