The Carolina Panthers took the next step in holding on to one of their own on Monday.
As announced by the team, safety Sam Franklin has been designated with a restricted free agent tender—keeping the special teams standout in Carolina.
The move presents with Franklin a one-year, $2.6 million pact. If another team inks the 27-year-old to an offer sheet, the Panthers will have the chance to match and retain him.
Franklin first joined the organization as an undrafted free agent back in May of 2020. He had spent the previous four years at Temple University, where he crossed paths with future (and former) head coach Matt Rhule in 2016.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defender has appeared in 47 games for the Panthers since—mostly on special teams. He’s amassed 67 combined tackles (three for a loss), one sack and one interception.
Carolina now has two remaining restricted free agents in quarterback PJ Walker and safety Myles Hartsfield.
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