Packers Acquire Linebacker Zaire Franklin in Trade with Colts

Franklin, a Pro Bowler in 2024, looks to bounce back after down 2025 season

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Green Bay Packers have acquired linebacker Zaire Franklin in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts, swapping defensive tackle Colby Wooden. Franklin, a seventh-round pick in 2019, has started for the Colts the past four seasons and made the Pro Bowl in 2024 after a standout campaign. However, his play dipped in 2025, raising questions about whether his 2024 season was an aberration or the start of a decline.

Why it matters

The Packers are hoping Franklin can return to his 2024 form and provide an upgrade at linebacker alongside Edgerrin Cooper. While Franklin has shown the ability to make impact plays, he is also more prone to missed tackles compared to the player he is replacing, Quay Walker, who was traded to the Raiders.

The details

In 2024, Franklin was a menace around the line of scrimmage, leading the NFL with 173 tackles and ranking well above average in stop rate against the run. He also had four forced fumbles, two interceptions, and was efficient as a blitzer. However, his numbers plummeted in 2025, as his missed tackle rate regressed massively, and he was less effective as a pass rusher. The Packers are betting that Franklin's 2024 season was more indicative of his true ability.

  • Franklin, 30, will be entering his 8th NFL season in 2026.
  • The Packers acquired Franklin in a trade on March 10, 2026.

The players

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker who has started for the Indianapolis Colts the past four seasons, making the Pro Bowl in 2024 after a standout campaign.

Quay Walker

The linebacker Franklin is replacing, who was traded from the Packers to the Raiders.

Edgerrin Cooper

The Packers' top linebacker, who will be the key to the team's linebacker room.

Colby Wooden

The defensive tackle the Packers traded to the Colts in exchange for Franklin.

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What’s next

The Packers will be hoping Franklin can return to his 2024 form and provide a boost to their linebacker corps alongside Cooper. The team will be monitoring his progress closely during the offseason and preseason to see if he can regain his Pro Bowl level of play.

The takeaway

The Packers are taking a calculated risk in acquiring Zaire Franklin, betting that his standout 2024 season was more indicative of his true ability than his down 2025 campaign. If Franklin can recapture that form, he could provide an upgrade over the departed Quay Walker, but the team is also aware of the potential downside if his 2025 struggles continue.