Packers Trade for Veteran LB Zaire Franklin
The Green Bay Packers have moved to strengthen their defense by trading for veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts. The deal adds a key piece of experience and production to a defense that was seeking more leadership.
In a rare player-for-player swap, the Packers sent defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Colts for Franklin. This move addresses a significant need for Green Bay at linebacker, especially with the expected departure of former first-round pick Quay Walker in free agency. Franklin was a tackling machine for Indianapolis, leading the NFL with 173 tackles in 2024, a season where he earned both Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors. Over his last four seasons with the Colts, he amassed an impressive 644 tackles. He also set a franchise record with 179 tackles in 2023. The trade also provides the Colts with salary cap relief. Indianapolis was looking to shed salary, and moving Franklin's contract helps them become cap compliant ahead of the new league year. Franklin's cap hits were set to be $8.2 million in 2026 and $10.2 million in 2027. While a prolific tackler, Franklin's performance saw a dip in 2025. His tackle total decreased to 125, and he received a poor Pro Football Focus grade, particularly in pass coverage. The Colts are also looking to get younger and faster on defense under a new defensive coordinator, which contributed to their willingness to make the trade. For the Packers, this is a calculated move to bring in a veteran with a proven track record of high-level production. In exchange, they part with Colby Wooden, a 25-year-old defensive tackle who started 16 games last season and recorded 50 tackles.
