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Newcomer's Message After Broncos Cut and Bills Signing

Panthers reportedly signing S Sam Franklin Jr. to 1-year deal - Yahoo Sports

Buffalo, New York — September 2025 — Less than 48 hours after parting ways with the Denver Broncos, safety Sam Franklin Jr. found a new home in Buffalo. The veteran defensive back first signed with the Bills’ practice squad on August 27, 2025, before being elevated to the active roster on September 4 — a quick rise that reflects Buffalo’s belief in his versatility and proven special-teams value.

Franklin entered the league in 2020 as an undrafted free agent with the Carolina Panthers, where he built a résumé of consistency and toughness. Over five seasons, he appeared in 74 games with nine starts, logging more than 60% of the Panthers’ special-teams snaps every year since 2021, including a peak of 84% in 2024. Defensively, he’s credited with 105 tackles, one sack, one interception (a 99-yard pick-six), and a forced fumble — proof that when called upon, he can deliver game-changing plays.

“I’m not dwelling on the past — I’m focused,” Franklin said. “Denver made their choice, but Buffalo gave me a shot. I’m here to show what I can do.”

For the Bills, the signing was strategic. After the Broncos released Franklin during final roster cuts on August 26, Buffalo moved quickly to secure a player who can cover kicks, tackle in space, and serve as a plug-in option in the secondary. The front office views him as a seamless fit for a roster that prizes discipline, energy, and reliability across all three phases.

Franklin’s stint in Denver was brief — he had signed a one-year guaranteed contract back in April, only to be released at the end of camp. Yet the Bills’ swift action highlights both the league-wide respect for his special-teams résumé and Buffalo’s intent to harden its depth chart before Week 1.

In the immediate future, Franklin is expected to contribute on special teams while learning Bobby Babich’s defensive system. Long term, his veteran presence, grit, and professionalism could make him an integral part of a Bills locker room that thrives on resilience and accountability.

For Sam Franklin Jr., Denver may have closed a door — but Buffalo opened another, and the opportunity is already taking shape.

49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.