Sam Franklin, Denver Broncos
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Former Carolina Panthers S Sam Franklin #42 reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Buffalo Bills made a late addition to their active roster before this weekend’s season opener, signing a versatile safety to fill the spot left by a season-ending injury to another defender.
The team had announced last week that defensive tackle DeWayne Carter suffered an Achilles injury and would need season-ending surgery, but did not officially put him on injured reserve until Thursday. That left an open spot on the roster that has been filled by safety Sam Franklin Jr., who earned a call-up from the practice squad and could play a role in two phases of the game.
Bills Impressed With Sam Franklin’s Special Teams Play
Franklin initially joined the team after training camp and the preseason ended, signing to the practice squad on Aug. 27 after spending the offseason with the Denver Broncos. Bills general manager Brandon Beane hinted that the reserve safety could see time on special teams.
“He’s a safety by position, but he’s made his name on special teams in this league,” Beane said when the team first signed Franklin, via the team’s official website. “A standout gunner, kick cover player.”
Franklin has appeared in 74 games since coming into the league as an undrafted rookie in 2020. He made 105 total tackles with 1.0 sacks, five passes defensed, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Franklin said he embraces his special teams role, saying he knew it would be his pathway to an NFL roster spot.
“I knew (special teams) was probably the only way I would make (an NFL) team,’’ Franklin said, via The Denver Gazette. “And I just became good at it. … Everybody has a role on the team. Everybody can’t be a starter, but everybody has a position on the team. … I’m an energy guy. I’m high effort.”
Franklin also earned a reputation as a helpful veteran.
“He’s been a great addition,’’ said Broncos safety Brandon Jones. “Beyond football, he’s a really good person. Somebody who is easy-going, easy to talk to, and has a great work ethic. Just does a lot of things right and well. Super excited to have him, obviously. When you bring that experience in, it makes everybody better.”
Bills Make Final Call at Safety
While Franklin will occupy a reserve spot at safety, the Bills just made an official determination on who will start opposite safety Taylor Rapp. Second-year safety Cole Bishop had been competing with former starter Damar Hamlin for the second starting spot, and the team’s first official depth chart of the season revealed that Bishop won the job.
Though Bishop struggled at times during the preseason, head coach Sean McDermott said he saw meaningful growth from the young safety.
“Cole, like I mentioned before, is continuing to grow, and we see growth every day,” McDermott said. “He goes through new experiences, and then playing with T-Rapp back there in the tandem, that you have to be and become, is important, and you learn from each other. Obviously, Cole is learning probably a little bit more from T-Rapp than the other way around.”