Orlando Franklin to Sign with Chargers: Latest Contract Details and Reaction

The Denver Broncos opted not to retain a key, versatile cog on their offensive line in Orlando Franklin, who reportedly will suit up for the San Diego Chargers in 2015 and beyond.

"When it gets done, Orlando Franklin's five-year deal with Chargers expected to come in close to $36.5 million with $20M guaranteed, per sources," reported ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Denver Post's Mike Klis reported yesterday that Franklin agreed to sign with the Chargers, writing: "An NFL source said the deal with the Chargers is done. Franklin's contract, when he signs it on Tuesday, will be worth $7.2 million per year with $14 million guaranteed."

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Franklin was a second-round pick in 2011. He started his NFL career at right tackle and excelled there before sliding inside to left guard in 2014. Although the transition was a bit rocky at first, it paid off when the Broncos needed to run the ball in the latter half of the season.

Quarterback Peyton Manning might have just one more campaign under center in Denver and could use any help he can get from the offensive line. That's why it's a bit surprising to see Franklin leaving the Broncos for San Diego.

After the Broncos' loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the postseason, Franklin expressed a desire to return to Denver and voiced his support for Manning, per The Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala:

"

I don't know anything else. I'm a Bronco. I'd love to be a Bronco for the rest of my life. I played with three quarterbacks since I've been in this league. I'll take Peyton Manning any day of the week. He's a phenomenal quarterback. Yes, we're all going to make mistakes. It's football. No one is going to be 100 percent perfect each and every play. But nine times out of 10, he's going to put you in the best situation and the best position to win games.

"

In December, Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star alluded to why other teams should have been keen to lure Franklin from the Mile High City, stating: "One soon-to-be FA guard I love—Orlando Franklin. Big (6'7"), young (27), nasty, could play tackle, understands zone concepts, weakens DEN."

New Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak will be deploying his signature zone-blocking running schemes. Based on Paylor's assessment, Franklin seems like an ideal fit for the system.

However, Kubiak has had success with a variety of different players who've been able to execute the concepts. As Baltimore's play-caller last year, he helped Justin Forsett turn into a star running back, albeit with an exceptional offensive line.

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It is evident that general manager John Elway and Kubiak feel the team can execute the new offense without Franklin in the fold. A lot of that depends on Manning's return, though.

As for San Diego, it has to be thrilled to fortify the offensive trenches by landing a lineman who has proved fully capable of playing multiple positions up front. Franklin should find himself fitting in seamlessly in an impactful starting role.

Another positive about this signing for the Chargers is that Franklin is just 27 years old and is now entering the prime of his career. Being left out of Denver's equation due to other priority free agents should only drive Franklin to succeed with his new team.