NFL Free Agency: Orlando Franklin Landing Spots
By Erik Lambert
Orlando Franklin was an inevitable cut for the Los Angeles Chargers after they drafted two likely starting guards back in April. So what his eventual fate?
Well before answering that, it’s important to take stock. He’s started 89 game in the NFL and is still just 29-years old. That sort of fact brings value to a player. After missing six games with injury in 2015 he came back and didn’t miss one in 2016. So if nothing else he’s reliable. His effectiveness the past couple years wasn’t what the Chargers had hoped, but then again it wasn’t like he was getting much help.
Chargers released offensive lineman Orlando Franklin, per source. Chargers drafted two guards and deemed Franklin too pricey to keep.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 15, 2017
The truth is any team with the cash or the connections to sign him probably should. Smart thinking says Franklin probably has 2-3 good years left in him before regressions start to show. So which teams stand the best chance to do so? Here are three to watch.
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Denver Broncos
Franklin first made a name for himself when he became a starter for the Broncos back in 2011. He helped them field one of the best offenses in NFL history in 2013, setting records for yards and points scored. That’s how he landed his big contract in San Diego. Now his former offensive and head coach Mike McCoy is back in Denver. Given the offensive line question marks surrounding the team, it makes perfect sense to bring him back to help.
Miami Dolphins
Another man who knows a little something about what Franklin offers is Adam Gase. He was offensive coordinator for the Broncos during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Now he’s head coach of the Miami Dolphins and his offensive line is sorely in need of help at both guard positions. Franklin is just the sort of plug-and-play veteran starter they could hope for. Somebody who can settle a position while allowing others like Laremy Tunsil to master a new one.
Chicago Bears
The last connection that is prominent lay in Chicago. John Fox was head coach in Denver when Franklin was drafted and made a starter. Is it any coincidence that Franklin chose to sign elsewhere when Fox was fired? The Bears build their strengths around strong interior blocking. Franklin would make an ideal third guard who can step in if Kyle Long or Josh Sitton suffered an injury. Something that has been a problem for both the past couple years.