Michael Malone leaving the Nuggets – yeah, not what folks in Denver expected to wake up to. I mean, who saw that coming? While everyone’s still picking up the pieces from that head-scratcher, over in the world of shoulder pads and touchdowns, the Broncos are busy with their own drama. But they’re taking the quiet, ninja approach.
So, Tuesday happened and the Broncos were like, “Hey, we got something new up our sleeve,” not that they yelled it from the rooftops or anything. Nope, just a whisper that they snagged a new addition for their, oh so iconic, special teams. Darren Rizzi, the guy running that show, must be doing a little dance or something.
Here’s the scoop – Sam Franklin. You heard of him? Former safety from the Carolina Panthers. The deal’s for a year, which in football terms is like a speed date but with more helmets and fewer awkward silences. Ari Meirov, who usually knows a thing or two, broke the news, and if you don’t believe it, check Twitter – it’s all there in 280 characters or less.
Franklin, he ain’t some rookie fresh out of college. Nope, he’s been around the block since 2020, just doing his thing with the Panthers, probably unnoticed by most of us. Racked up 105 tackles, which sounds impressive unless you ask what a tackle is. I should Google it. Anyway, he’s done some real-deal NFL action, especially on special teams – which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always get the glory, but someone’s gotta do it, right?
The Broncos have this little melee going on in the safety zone (is that what they call it?) between Franklin, JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell, and Devon Key. Sounds like a band or something. Franklin might have a shot because he’s a beast on special teams, which could be a life saver after Tremon Smith left them hanging.
And then there’s this flashback to 2023 – 30 tackles and a 99-yard interception sprint. I mean, imagine running that far? In gear?! Anyway, the foot injury last year… that might shake things up. He missed seven games! Still, he bounced back to do the special teams thing, even if the defensive snaps weren’t as many.
Random note: Something about how tires sound when you’re driving over snow, kind of crunchy but smooth – that’s sort of how the Broncos are rolling right now. Weird image, but it stuck with me. I guess they’re hoping Franklin’s the snow tires they didn’t know they needed. Who knows? Broncos fans, start praying to the football gods, or something.
