Orlando Franklin’s time in Denver might have ended with Sunday’s playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts. But the guard hopes it didn’t.
Franklin, one of the Broncos’ 12 players headed for free agency, made it clear Monday that he wants to return.
“I don’t know anything else. I’m a Bronco,” he said. “I’d love to be a Bronco for the rest of my life.”
Emotions were high as Denver players cleaned out their lockers and answered myriad questions about the uneasy feeling left in the wake of Sunday’s loss. But Franklin, who was been with the Broncos since they drafted him in 2011, seemed to feel the sting more, especially in regard to the possibility that Peyton Manning might not be back.
“I played with three quarterbacks since I’ve been in this league. I’ll take Peyton Manning any day of the week,” Franklin said. “He’s a phenomenal quarterback. Yes, we’re all going to make mistakes. It’s football. No one is going to be 100 percent perfect each and every play. But nine times out of 10, he’s going to put you in the best situation and the best position to win games.”
Welker waffles. Slot receiver Wes Welker doesn’t know where he will be next season. And unlike Franklin, he doesn’t even know where he wants to be.
“I don’t know,” Welker said when asked whether he wants to return to Denver. “There are a lot of things I’ve got to figure out in the offseason. Obviously, I love Denver, I love this organization and love my teammates.”
“Be better next year.” C.J. Anderson had the best season of his career after starting the season as the Broncos’ No. 3 running back. He said he’s already looking to the 2015 season, no matter which of his teammates return.
“If No. 18 (Manning) comes back, that would be amazing. But if he doesn’t, the Broncos have to find a way, still have to move on,” Anderson said. “My whole goal is just to be better next year than I was this year. … I had a crazy last 10 weeks, and let’s just try to put it together for 17 weeks, and next postseason, and go from there.”
Anderson led the Broncos in rushing this season with 849 yards, averaging 4.7 per carry. He had a game-high 80 yards on 18 carries Sunday against the Colts.
Harris expects changes. Chris Harris, a cornerback who recently signed a five-year contract extension with the Broncos after going undrafted in 2011, expects another offseason of big moves by general manager John Elway.
“He’s made a big splash every year in the offseason,” Harris said. “I expect him to try to do the same thing and try to put together another combination of talent. Hopefully we can get it to mesh together well to come back next year to try to win a Super Bowl.”
