Orlando Franklin leaves with mixed feelings.

Happy to be a San Diego Charger, and a rich one at that. Disappointed he had to leave the Broncos.

“I loved Denver,” Franklin said. “Had an amazing four years there. Fans were great. It just (stinks) I didn’t have a chance to keep playing there. The fact of the matter is when you don’t get offered a deal, they’re telling you they don’t want you. They didn’t even humor me with an offer.

“But San Diego is beautiful. I’m excited about that. This deal, it’s a dream come true.,” Franklin said.

With the Chargers he will be reunited with coach Mike McCoy, who was the Broncos’ offensive coordinator during Franklin’s first two seasons.

” I know Mike, I know the Chargers,” Franklin said.

One reason the Broncos couldn’t engage in serious negotiations with Franklin is they knew he would command the type of contract they couldn’t match.

Most teams can only afford to pay top market value to two offensive linemen and the Broncos are committed to paying $10 million to left tackle Ryan Clady this season and $5 million to right guard Louis Vasquez.

Franklin is the league’s fourth highest-paid guard, although he likely will drop to fifth once free-agent Mike Iupati signs.

Franklin was a Broncos second-round draft pick in 2011 and started 70 of a possible 71 games in four seasons, counting the postseason.

With McCoy’s blessing, the Chargers secured Franklin with a five-year, $36.5 million deal that will pay him a whopping $16.5 million guaranteed through the first two years.

Franklin signed his contract Tuesday and is scheduled to fly in to San Diego on Tuesday night.

He could have received more money from the New York Jets. He could not have received more from the Broncos.

“I felt like I did everything they asked me to do,” Franklin said. “I moved positions for them.”

Franklin, 27, played right tackle his first three seasons with the Broncos and switched to left guard last year. He will play left guard for the Chargers.

He decided to play with the Chargers instead of the Jets because of his familiarity with McCoy and his offense, California’s quality of life, and the chance to continue wearing his number.

With the Jets, Franklin’s No. 74 belongs to center Nick Mangold, who is beginning his 10th season.

“My number is important to me,” Franklin said. “I’ve worn 74 for the last 10 years.”

It’s unclear how the Broncos replace Franklin along their front line. Ben Garland was the Broncos’ backup left guard last season. There’s also discussion that second-year, offensive tackle Michael Schofield, a third-round draft pick last year, could move inside.

The Broncos also might find a guard for good value after the first wave of free agency settles down by the weekend or in the draft. The first three rounds of the draft will be held April 30 and May 1.

Mike Klis: mklis@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikeklis

Highest-paid NFL guards

Player, Team …………………… Avg. per year

Logan Mankins, Buccaneers ……….. $8.5 million

Jhari Evans, Saints ……………. $8.1 million

Andy Levitre, Titans …………. $7.8 million

Orlando Franklin, Chargers … $7.3 million

Ben Grubbs, Saints ……………. $7.2 million

Mike Klis, The Denver Post

Broncos’ free-agent action

A look at the first day of free agency for the Broncos:

Agreed to terms with tight end Owen Daniels from the Baltimore Ravens.

Re-signed blocking tight end Virgil Green.

Agreed to terms with backup linebacker Steven Johnson.

Lost guard Orlando Franklin, who signed with the San Diego Chargers.

Expected to lose tight end Julius Thomas to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Expected to lose defensive lineman Terrance Knighton.

Expected to lose safety Rahim Moore.