Orlando Franklin, Louis Nix become free agents

Veteran offensive lineman Orlando Franklin and defensive lineman Louis Nix became free agents on Monday after being released.

Several players were released on Monday, which could make things interesting on Tuesday as teams wait to see if their waiver claims, if any, went through or not. Specifically, NFL fans will recognize a few names set free by their respective teams, including offensive lineman Orlando Franklin and defensive tackle Louis Nix.

The Los Angeles Chargers signed Orlando Franklin away from the Denver Broncos in 2015, a move that was supposed to hurt their division rivals and help support Philip Rivers. Instead, two years into a five-year, $36.5 million contract, Franklin’s largely mediocre run in SoCal is now officially over. The move wasn’t exactly unexpected given Franklin’s price tag as well as the dynamic duo of interior linemen selected by the Chargers in the 2017 NFL Draft: Forrest Lamp and Dan Feeney. Both are expected to start.

Still Franklin is a serviceable and versatile lineman who is only 29-years-old and could be an interesting addition for some team. The Chiefs already have several similar sorts of linemen, including Jah Reid, Andrew Tiller, Mike Person and Zach Fulton around as reliable veterans who can play multiple positions to back up the line. However, from the Chiefs perspective, it’s at least interesting to note another option while also seeing how a rival’s major move ended up playing out.

Nix was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars and the former Notre Dame star has yet to find a home in the NFL after being selected in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Knee injuries have kept Nix from ever reaching his pro potential, but the 6-2, 330 lb. lineman is still only 25-years-old.

Here’s one interesting prospect for the Chiefs, at least if there’s reason to believe his knee could check out. Bennie Logan is the stout anchor against the run, but he’s in K.C. on a one-year deal. Is Rakeem Nunez-Roches the anchor of the future? Perhaps a much bigger option like T.J. Barnes, who is the biggest member of the Chiefs roster by 14 pounds? Maybe an outsider like Nix? If nothing else, Nix is an interesting name to see floated on the NFL transactions sheet.