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Not too long after signing veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, the Indianapolis Colts have signed another veteran. The team announced a deal with defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin, a 10 year vet. Franklin will play nose tackle for the Colts. Details on the contract have yet to be announced.
For his career, the 6-1, 317 pound tackle has 181 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and one interception. Franklin was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2003 and spent the first four years of his career there. He then signed with the 49ers in 2007 and enjoyed the best stretch of his career, notching the three highest tackle totals of his career, accounting for three of his four career sacks, and intercepting his only pass. He also started 59 games with the 49ers during that stretch, the bulk of his career 78 starts. In 2011, Franklin signed with the Saints, and in 2012 he played with the Chargers. He started nine games in each of the past two seasons.
Franklin will bring added depth to a defensive line that has developed a surprising amount of it this offseason. The 32 year old has played for Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky in San Francisco, so he is familiar with the coach. He will give the Colts options along the defensive line and could help the younger nose tackles (Josh Chapman). Again, the details are not known yet on the contract, but as long as the Colts didn't greatly overspend on him I think that this is a solid signing by Ryan Grigson and company. Somewhat quietly, the Colts' are putting together a very good offseason.