Panthers lose Sam Darnold to 49ers in free agency, tender offer to Sam Franklin
The Carolina Panthers offered impending restricted free agent, Sam Franklin, a “right of first refusal” tender on Monday, the team announced.
Franklin will make $2.62 million on the tender if he signs the one-year deal. However, if Franklin chooses to test the market, the Panthers will have the right match an offer sheet.
Franklin was the Panthers’ top special teams ace last season, leading the squad with 13 special teams tackles. Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor nominated Franklin as the Panthers’ Pro Bowl nominee for special teams.
Franklin, 27, signed with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Brought in as one of former head coach Matt Rhule’s Temple connection players, Franklin became a standout on special teams because of his unique blend of size and speed at the gunner position. Franklin has also played safety, linebacker and nickel corner on defense during his three-year NFL career.
Franklin is one of three impending restricted free agents on the Panthers’ roster. Quarterback PJ Walker and safety Myles Hartsfield will need to be tendered before the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
And while the Panthers are expected to keep Franklin, the squad will lose former starting quarterback Sam Darnold to free agency. According to ESPN, Darnold is set to sign a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers.
Darnold will reunite with running back Christian McCaffrey and former interim head coach Steve Wilks in the Bay Area. Darnold started the final six games of last season for Wilks. Darnold led the Panthers to a 4-2 record and produced 1,143 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and three interceptions.
Darnold, a 2018 first-round pick of the New York Jets, is still only 25. He will presumably compete with incumbent quarterbacks, Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, for playing time.
This story was originally published March 13, 2023 at 5:41 PM.
