Colts Exploring Trade of Pro Bowl Linebacker Zaire Franklin

Indianapolis looking to shed salary cap space by dealing veteran linebacker

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts are actively engaged in trade discussions involving former Pro Bowl linebacker Zaire Franklin, according to sources. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024 but saw his production dip in 2025. The Colts are looking to move Franklin in order to get under the salary cap ahead of the new league year.

Why it matters

The Colts are currently over the salary cap and need to make roster moves to get compliant by the start of the new league year. Trading Franklin, who carries a $5.75 million cap hit, would provide significant cap relief for the team as they look to re-sign key free agents and address other roster needs.

The details

Franklin, an eight-year veteran, made the Pro Bowl in 2024 after recording 173 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. However, his production dropped to 125 tackles in 2025. The Colts are hoping to find a trade partner for Franklin in order to create much-needed salary cap space. General manager Chris Ballard acknowledged the difficulty in potentially moving on from Franklin, with whom he has a close relationship, but stated the team will have to see how the situation plays out.

  • The Colts must be under the salary cap by March 11, 2026 when the new league year begins.
  • Franklin led the NFL in tackles in the 2024 season.

The players

Zaire Franklin

An eight-year veteran linebacker who made the Pro Bowl in 2024 after leading the NFL in tackles, but saw his production drop in 2025.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, who acknowledged the difficulty in potentially trading Franklin due to their close relationship.

Germaine Pratt

A linebacker the Colts acquired, who Ballard said added a "much-needed will" to the defense.

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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. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024.”

— Adam Schefter (X)

“If the Colts can find a trade partner, moving on from Franklin would help them get under the salary cap.”

— Paul Bretl, Writer (Colts Wire)

“I think you guys all know my feelings for Zaire Franklin. We have a very close relationship. I thought he played good football. And the addition of (Germaine) Pratt, when we got him into the mix. He ended up adding a much-needed will that we needed.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager (Colts Wire)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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