Orlando Franklin: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent OT

In one of the deepest free-agent classes ever for offensive linemen, Orlando Franklin figured to command a lot of attention given his age and track record of strong performances. He ireportedly will leave the Denver Broncos to sign with the San Diego Chargers. 

Continue for updates.

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Chargers Reportedly to Sign Franklin

Monnday, March 9

"When it gets done, Orlando Franklin's 5-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. "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."

Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego added, "Source on Saturday characterized OL Orlando Franklin to Chargers as 'unofficially done.' Continue to hear same."

"Expect free agent Orlando Franklin to get handsomely paid by another team," revealed Klis on Feb. 22. 

At the time, Klis higlighted potential replacements for Franklin. "Top free-agent candidates for the Broncos might be Mike Iupati and Chris Bolling. Ben Garland and Michael Schofield would be the top in-house candidates. Cameron Erving and A.J. Cann would be potential rookie starters from the draft."

Since being drafted in 2011 by the Denver Broncos, Franklin has become a staple of the offensive line that protected quarterback Peyton Manning and allowed him to win an MVP award last year. The team moved him to left guard in 2014 after a successful stint at right tackle.

The move was risky for the Broncos. According to Nathan Jahnke of Pro Football Focus, Franklin led all NFL tackles in pass-blocking efficiency in 2014 (plus-97).  

Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com wrote last June that the Broncos were hoping Franklin's move would provide a boost to the running game:

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The Broncos averaged fewer than 2.5 yards per carry in three postseason games on runs over either the left tackle or left guard. And while they are not a running team in either word or deed, they will have to be one at times to close out the coming season the way they hope to. 

And they believe Franklin's move will help them do it.

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Denver's running game was a problem early in the season until C.J. Anderson took over as the starting running back. With the Broncos changing head coaches this offseason, hiring Gary Kubiak, who uses a zone-blocking scheme, Franklin may be looking at a different opportunity. 

Franklin didn't sound ready to say goodbye to Denver after the playoff loss against Indianapolis, telling Nicki Jhabvala of The Denver Post that he doesn't "know anything else. I'm a Bronco."

Franklin was likely too expensive for the Broncos to retain as the team headed into free agency with 13 unrestricted free agents. It's an unfortunate byproduct of building a roster loaded with talent, knowing that paying all of them is virtually impossible. 

I's not hard to see why Franklin was a coveted player this offseason. The 27-year-old has shown his versatility by switching from tackle on the right side to guard on the left side and has plenty of productive years ahead of him to be worth the financial investment from a team seeking help in the trenches.