Bills Sign ‘Energy Guy’ at Safety After Roster Cutdown Day
The Buffalo Bills whittled their way from a 90-man roster down to 53, and now the team is making some new additions to the roster.
The team announced on August 27 that they signed safety and special teams ace Sam Franklin, who was a roster cutdown casualty with the Denver Broncos just one day prior. Franklin is expected to add some veteran leadership to a position that struggled in training camp and the preseason while also giving some help to the special teams units.
Bills Sign Veteran Safety Sam Franklin
The Bills moved quickly to add depth at safety after Tuesday’s roster cutdown, signing SaFranklin. As CBS Sports noted, he has extensive NFL experience and will likely take on a special teams role in Buffalo.
“Franklin lands on his feet quickly after he was released by the Broncos earlier Tuesday,” the report noted. “The veteran safety appeared in 74 regular-season contests in Carolina over the previous five seasons. He recorded 105 tackles (74 solo), including 1.0 sacks, five pass breakups, including one interception, and one forced fumble in that span. Franklin will handle reserve safety duties while contributing on special teams in Buffalo.”
Franklin embraces his place on special teams, a role usually filled by younger players on the roster.
“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 had earned a good reputation in Denver prior to his release, with starting safety Brandon Jones saying he spent time working with the team’s younger defensive players.
“He’s been a great addition,’’ Jones said. “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 Needed Help at Safety
The Bills had some question marks at safety at the conclusion of the preseason, with Taylor Rapp slated in as a starter and no clear answer beside him. Second-year safety Cole Bishop struggled at times during the preseason, as did last year’s primary starter, Damar Hamlin.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said at the conclusion of training camp that it wasn’t clear who will take on the other starting job.
“I think we’re looking for that other safety to play alongside of [Taylor Rapp],” McDermott said, via SI.com.
While Franklin likely won’t compete for the starting job, he could add some trusted depth while providing the team some help on special teams. The Bills have placed a high value on special teams players, reserving roster spots for some players who only play in those units.
The Bills brought in more help on Wednesday, signing former All-Pro Jordan Poyer. While it’s not clear what role he might play, the Bills made a similar move last year when they signed his former safety partner, Micah Hyde.
