Franklin received the minimum restricted free-agent tender from the Panthers on Monday, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports.
This move gives the Panthers the ability to match any contract offered to Franklin. The linebacker-turned-safety is likely to return to Carolina in 2023, as Franklin's 67 tackles through 47 NFL games are unlikely to generate much buzz on the free-agent market.
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Panthers' Sam Franklin: Hits COVID list
Rotowire
The Panthers placed Franklin on the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
The 25-year-old was placed on the list after testing positive for the virus, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Franklin typically plays exclusively on special teams, so his potential absence Sunday against the Buccaneers won't affect Carolina's defensive game plan.
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Panthers' Sam Franklin: All clear fo Week 14
Rotowire
Franklin (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Broncos, Bill Voth of the team's official site reports.
Franklin logged full practice time Thursday and Friday despite taking the questionable tag into Sunday's game, so this is good news for the Panthers' secondary. The Temple product will see his first game action since Week 10, so it's unclear what sort of a role he'll have in the defense for Sunday's matchup.
