Broncos Wire‘s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at sixth-year safety Sam Franklin, No. 42.
Before the Broncos: Franklin (6-3, 210 pounds) signed as an undrafted free agent out of Temple with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Franklin played in 14 games, starting four, finishing his rookie campaign with 23 total tackles (15 solo, eight assisted, one tackle for loss), 1.0 sacks and one pass deflection in 2020.
Advertisement
From 2021-22, Franklin was mostly relegated to a rotational player with the Panthers, making 44 total tackles (34 solo, 10 assisted, two tackles for loss), one forced fumble, and one pass deflection in 33 games (one start). Franklin’s best year as a pro may have been 2023. He played in 17 games, starting four. Franklin made a career-high 30 total tackles (20 solo, 10 assisted), three pass deflections and one interception that was returned 99 yards for a touchdown. Last year, Franklin played primarily on special teams, making eight total tackles (five solo, three assisted).
Broncos tenure: Franklin was signed as a free agent by the Denver Broncos to a one-year deal in April 2025. He is set to make his Bronco debut during preseason this summer.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Likely. Franklin could see time as a rotational player in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s secondary — behind Brandon Jones, Talanoa Hufanga and P.J. Locke — and he figures to have a key role on special teams. In ten games with the Panthers last season, Franklin played 84% of the special teams snaps.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Sam Franklin a key special teams player