Colts Linebacker Depth Depleted After Zaire Franklin Trade

Indianapolis must address linebacker position after dealing veteran starter

Mar. 7, 2026 at 10:04pm

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The Indianapolis Colts have a major need at linebacker after trading away veteran starter Zaire Franklin. With Franklin gone, the Colts' linebacker depth chart is extremely thin, featuring mostly inexperienced players with little NFL playing time. General manager Chris Ballard acknowledged the need to address the front seven on defense this offseason, and the linebacker position has now become an even greater priority.

Why it matters

The Colts' linebacker corps was already an area of concern, and the loss of Franklin has exacerbated the issue. The team will need to find capable replacements, either through the draft or free agency, to shore up this critical defensive position group.

The details

The Colts acquired defensive tackle Colby Wooden in a trade, but that move has highlighted the glaring need at linebacker. With Franklin gone, the Colts' top linebackers are Jaylon Carlies, Austin Ajiake, Devin Versuk, Joseph Vaughn, and John Bullock. Carlies has the most experience with 242 career defensive snaps, while Versuk and Vaughn have yet to play an NFL snap. Ballard has emphasized the need to get younger and faster on defense, and the linebacker position is now a major area of focus for the team this offseason.

  • The Colts traded away veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin on March 7, 2026.

The players

Zaire Franklin

A veteran linebacker who was traded away by the Colts.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts who acknowledged the need to address the front seven on defense this offseason.

Jaylon Carlies

The Colts' most experienced linebacker currently, with 242 career defensive snaps.

Colby Wooden

A defensive tackle acquired by the Colts in a trade.

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What they’re saying

“The draft we think it's good on the defensive side of the football, especially in the front seven. But it's a definite area that we need to address.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager (Indianapolis Colts)

What’s next

The Colts will need to address the linebacker position through the upcoming NFL Draft or free agency in order to rebuild their depth at the position.

The takeaway

The trade of veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin has left the Colts with a major need at the linebacker position. Indianapolis must find capable replacements, either through the draft or free agency, in order to shore up this critical area of their defense.