All Hogs

Former Razorbacks QB Earns New NFL Contract with Old Team

One-time Hogs QB gets another shot with Falcons organization after spending time in Charlotte with few opportunities
Jacob Davis|
Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (84) celebrate after scoring on a two point conversion to tie the score late in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks (84) celebrate after scoring on a two point conversion to tie the score late in the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In this story:

Arkansas Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Former Carolina Panthers tight end Feleipe Franks earned yet another opportunity to hang around the NFL a while longer with an Atlanta Falcons franchise he knows well.

After going undrafted during the 2021 NFL Draft, Franks signed with the Falcons as a free agent and sat behind longtime starter Matt Ryan and backup Josh Rosen. When things didn't materialize at quarterback, he opted to begin taking reps as a flex tight end after his rookie year.

Once being placed on Atlanta's injured reserve list, Franks was placed on waivers and and sat wasn't picked up again until July 2023 by the Carolina Panthers.

The 27-year-old played in all but one game last season with the Panthers recording his one career catch for 12 yards in a Week 18 overtime victory over the Falcons.

His combined 350 snaps between offense and special teams are the most he has played over his four seasons in the NFL. Atlanta currently has two other tight ends on its roster this offseason in Kyle Pitts and Charlie Woerner.

Franks spent the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season with the Razorbacks completing 155-of-228 passes for 2,017 yards, 17 touchdowns and only four interceptions in just eight games.

His presence in the locker room earned respect from his Arkansas teammates and coaches immediately, earning team captain honors.

He led the Razorbacks to three SEC victories that fall including a 21-14 win at Mississippi State that ended a 20-game conference losing streak.

Arkansas defeated both Tennessee and Ole Miss at home with three losses against Auburn, LSU and Missouri coming by one possession.

HOGS FEED:

• Portal season will see significant differences at Arkansas this year

• As mid-tier of SEC gets sent packing, Calipari's Hogs still dancing

• Teammates, coaches continue to praise Hogs' transfer tight end

• Calipari eliminating Pitino adds special chapter to storybook season

• Sweet victory for Calipari, Razorbacks over No. 2 St. John's

Published
Jacob Davis
JACOB DAVIS

Jacob Davis is a reporter for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering high school and transfer portal recruiting. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year. Native of El Dorado, he currently resides in Central Arkansas with his wife and daughter.

Home/Football