The Buffalo Bills have finalized a three-year contract worth $7.5 million with defensive back Sam Franklin Jr., who had a strong presence on special teams during the 2025 season. After entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent, Franklin will remain with the Bills following the announcement last Friday.
Franklin originally joined the Bills’ practice squad in August, just one day after being released by the Denver Broncos, the team he signed with in April. He was promoted to the active roster in September and quickly became an important part of Buffalo’s special teams unit.
Sam Franklin’s Contributions and Role on the Team
Throughout the last regular season, Sam Franklin Jr. played in all 17 games for the Bills, recording 13 tackles and participating in 75.8% of the team’s special teams snaps. His dependable play on game days earned him this contract extension, reflecting his value beyond just defensive statistics.
This signing is part of a series of recent moves by the Bills to bring back key players. Alongside Franklin, the team also re-signed offensive lineman Alec Anderson and defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis on one-year contracts, although Franklin received the more substantial deal among them.
Fan Reactions to Sam Franklin’s New Deal
The announcement of Franklin’s re-signing sparked mixed feelings among Buffalo Bills fans. While some supporters view the move as a positive step to maintain special teams stability, others argue that the Bills may have overpaid for Franklin’s contributions. This division in opinion highlights ongoing debates about roster priorities and contract value within the fan community.
Speculation Around Contract Structure and Team Options
Analyst Dan Mitchell has weighed in on the contract, suggesting the Bills might have included an opt-out clause after the second year. Mitchell noted,
“Sam Franklin was a core piece to the Buffalo Bills special team unit, and I gotta say I love this move.”
He added,
“Now, while the specifics of the contract are not out just yet, I can only assume that there is an out after that second year.”
Mitchell further explained,
“Largely because a $7.5 million contract equals out to around $2.5 million a year in average annual value. I think AAV is a very misleading metric, but the fact that the deal includes $5 million in the first two years tells me that Buffalo could potentially have an out before 2028, even crosses the finish line.”
The presence of such a clause would allow the Bills flexibility amid salary cap considerations, especially as they are projected to be over the 2026 cap according to Sportrac data. If Franklin’s performance does not meet expectations, Buffalo could pursue younger talent to fill his role.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Buffalo Bills
Sam Franklin Jr.’s retention signals the Bills’ intent to maintain strong special teams going into the new NFL season. However, with the financial and performance uncertainties tied to Franklin’s contract, the team will likely monitor his progress closely.
As the 2024-25 NFL season approaches, the Bills face critical decisions on managing the roster and salary cap, balancing experience with emerging prospects. Fans and analysts alike will be watching how Franklin’s role evolves and whether the Bills exercise any potential options embedded within his deal.
The Bills are re-signing safety Sam Franklin Jr. to a three-year deal worth up to $7.5M, per source.
Franklin recorded 13 tackles as a core special teamer last season. The deal includes $5M in first two years. pic.twitter.com/Ehh3StImiS
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 27, 2026
