Aubrayo Franklin Lands In San Diego

The San Diego Chargers have signed former 49er and Saint, Aubrayo Franklin.

This is of note to Chiefs fans because Franklin was a very popular potential free agent among the KC faithful just two seasons ago. At that time, Chiefs fans were desperate for the team to bring in a legit nose tackle for the first time since switching to the 3-4 defense.

The Chiefs took a swing at former Browns NT Shaun Rogers before the start of free agency, however Rogers ended up signing with the New Orleans Saints. Later, regular free agency began (Rogers had been released by Cleveland which was why he was available early) Chiefs fans turned their attention to Franklin who was coming off a big year in San Fransisco.

But the Saints beat the Chiefs again (though there was never any indication that KC was actually interested) by signing Franklin to play in their 4-3.

Unfortunately for the Saints, the Franklin marriage didn’t work out so well. The DT seemed out of his element in the 4-3 and recorded only 17 tackles in a very sub-par season.

Franklin hit the market again this offseason but received little initial interest.

Until now.

The Bolts released veteran Luis Castillo yesterday and replaced him with Franklin today. Franklin will battle Antonio Garay and Cam Thomas for playing time at NT.

Franklin will be 32 in late August.