Packers' Micah Parsons Has Strong Reaction to Zaire Franklin Trade

Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Micah Parsons expressed surprise and disappointment over the team's trade for Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Green Bay Packers made a trade with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire linebacker Zaire Franklin, a former Pro Bowler. Packers defensive lineman Micah Parsons initially seemed to approve of the move but later expressed disappointment after learning the Packers had to send defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Colts in the deal.

Why it matters

The addition of Franklin should significantly bolster the Packers' defense, especially with Parsons expected to return from injury by early in the season. However, the loss of Wooden, who started 16 games for Green Bay last year, is a notable departure.

The details

The 29-year-old Franklin spent his entire 5-year NFL career with the Colts, emerging as a standout linebacker. He led the league in combined tackles in 2024 and earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Wooden was a fourth-round pick for the Packers in 2023 and started 16 games for them last season.

  • The trade between the Packers and Colts will become official on Wednesday, March 11, when the league's calendar year begins.
  • Parsons is expected to return to the field by Week 3 or 4 after recovering from a torn ACL suffered late last season.

The players

Micah Parsons

A defensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers who earned a Pro Bowl selection in his first season with the team before suffering a season-ending injury.

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker who spent his entire 5-year NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, earning a Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2024 after leading the league in combined tackles.

Colby Wooden

A defensive tackle who was a fourth-round pick for the Packers in 2023 and started 16 games for them last season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oh sh**”

— Micah Parsons (X (formerly Twitter)

“Nooooooo”

— Micah Parsons (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This trade highlights the Packers' efforts to bolster their defense, but the loss of Wooden is a notable departure that could impact their depth on the defensive line. Parsons' reaction shows the team's star players are invested in the roster changes as they aim to build a championship contender.