Colts Exploring Trade of Pro Bowl Linebacker

Zaire Franklin could be on the move to Cowboys, Giants or Commanders

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts are looking to trade veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin as they work to get under the salary cap before free agency. Several teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders, are reportedly interested in acquiring the former Pro Bowler.

Why it matters

The Colts are in a salary cap crunch and need to clear space, while the Cowboys, Giants and Commanders are all in need of linebacker help to bolster their defenses. A trade for Franklin could provide a significant upgrade for any of those teams.

The details

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts are in talks with the Cowboys, Giants and Commanders about a potential trade involving Franklin. The 28-year-old linebacker has started 82 games since entering the league in 2018 but is coming off a down year in 2025. All three teams could use an experienced, starting-caliber linebacker to improve their defensive units.

  • The Colts are looking to complete a trade before free agency begins next week.

The players

Zaire Franklin

A veteran linebacker who has made the Pro Bowl and started 82 games for the Indianapolis Colts since 2018.

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL team in need of linebacker help, as they recently released Logan Wilson and have questions about Kenneth Murray's starting ability.

New York Giants

An NFC East rival of the Cowboys who released Bobby Okereke this week and could use Franklin to anchor their linebacker corps.

Washington Commanders

Another NFC East team that could be interested in Franklin, as they face the potential free agency of veteran Bobby Wagner.

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What they’re saying

“The Colts are speaking with teams about a trade for their former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap by next week, per sources.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Colts will need to finalize a trade for Zaire Franklin before the start of free agency next week in order to clear cap space.

The takeaway

This potential Colts trade highlights the importance of salary cap management in the NFL, as Indianapolis looks to move on from a veteran player to get under the cap. It also shows how one team's need can create opportunities for other teams to potentially acquire a talented player like Franklin to bolster their defense.