Defensive Tackle Aubrayo Franklin signs one-year deal with San Diego Chargers – NFL News
San Diego Chargers signed free agent Aubrayo Franklin on a one-year contract on Friday, July 20, 2012.
The acquisition has come just a day after the release of defensive end Luis Castillo. Financial details of the contract are not disclosed by the Chargers.
It seems certain that the deal does not carry a hefty payout, as it is usually the case with deals that are signed just days before the start of training camp.
Chargers already have two players for the defensive end position. They include the fifth-round pick of the 2010 draft Cam Thomas and the other one is Antonio Garay.
This means that Franklin will not be the starter and will have to fight for the place in the team.
Franklin was drafted by Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round (146th overall pick) of the 2003 draft. He played four seasons with the Ravens and never got a chance to play full season with them.
His best performance with the Ravens came in the 2005 season in which he played 15 games and got 20 tackles.
In 2007, he joined San Francisco 49ers and gave a better output in the 3-4 formation. His first season with the 49ers was the best of his career with 26 tackles.
In 2011, he joined New Orleans Saints on a one-year contract.
Last season, Franklin scored 17 tackles. After re-signing Remi Ayodele and adding free agent Brodrick Bunkley, Saints allowed Franklin to become a free agent.
Franklin has scored a total of 204 tackles in his entire career. He will again be playing in the 3-4 formation with Chargers. He was unable to adjust with the 4-3 fromation at Saints.
Meanwhile, Chargers have also signed running back Jackie Battle to a one-year contract. He is coming to Chargers after playing five seasons for Kansas City Chiefs.
He is a special team asset. In his career, he has received 190 carries and covered 715 yards while scoring four touchdowns. Last season, he got 149 carries, covering 597 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns.
Although the two recent signings will not be that much detrimental in Chargers’ overall performance this season, they will be very helpful on occasions where they will lose their starters due to injuries.
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