Offensive lineman Orlando Franklin has signed a five-year contract with the San Diego Chargers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Franklin's deal is expected to be worth $36.5 million with $20 million in guarantees.
Orlando Franklin signs 5-year deal with Chargers
The San Diego Chargers signed free agent offensive lineman Orlando Franklin to a five-year deal.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Franklin was a second-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2011, and missed just a single start since that time. He's played at both guard and tackle, and can do both at a very high level. Franklin blocked for some of the league's best-ever offenses in his time with Denver, paving the way for running backs and keeping Peyton Manning clean in the pocket.
He started 47 games at right tackle for Denver before a big shuffle of the line had him playing left guard. As noted above, he played well at both spots. For the Chargers, he could move to one of the tackle spots, which would force D.J. Fluker inside. San Diego already had a decent offensive line, but Franklin is a major upgrade wherever the team decides to play him.
Denver's offensive line struggled big time in 2014, which is why Franklin maybe didn't get some of the same offseason hype as someone like Mike Iupati. That said, Franklin and left tackle Ryan Clady were the only starters who didn't get shifted around during the season, despite multiple lineup changes.
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