Orlando Franklin, New Orleans Saints Reportedly Agree to 1-Year Contract

The New Orleans Saints have added to their offensive line by signing veteran guard Orlando Franklin to a one-year contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Franklin spent the past two seasons with the then-San Diego Chargers after playing the previous four on the Denver Broncos. In both cases, he was a consistent member of the offensive line and started all 89 games he played, including all 16 last season.

However, he was released in May after the Chargers selected two guards in the first three rounds of the draft. He was just two years into a five-year deal signed before the 2015 season.

The 29-year-old struggled mightily in San Diego despite the consistent playing time. Per Pro Football Focus, he graded as the No. 66 offensive guard in the NFL last season. Quarterback Philip Rivers was sacked 36 times behind an overall inconsistent offensive line, and the team ranked just 26th in the NFL in rushing yards per game.

Of course, Franklin was also dealing with a variety of injuries throughout the year. Although he didn't miss any games, he appeared on the injury report due to issues with his neck, hamstring, back, knee and head.

The lineman is a quality performer when healthy, as he showed with the Broncos. He played both right tackle and left guard in his first four years in the league, helping contribute to the highest-scoring offense in football history in 2013.

If Franklin can regain his ability from before his time with the Chargers, Drew Brees and the Saints could benefit in 2017. New Orleans' new-look offense will be hoping to make a splash with the addition of Adrian Peterson and rookie running back Alvin Kamara, especially after a trade that sent receiver Brandin Cooks to the New England Patriots.

Franklin gives the Saints a veteran presence up front as they look to compete in a loaded NFC South.