Colts Exploring Trade of All-Pro Linebacker Zaire Franklin

Indianapolis looking to move on from defensive leader as they approach salary cap deadline

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly shopping star linebacker Zaire Franklin, who led the NFL in tackles in 2024 and was named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams that year. The surprising move comes as the Colts look to get under the salary cap ahead of the new league year, and could signal a larger roster shakeup in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

Franklin has been a core part of the Colts' defense since being drafted in 2018, and his potential departure would be a major blow to the team's on-field leadership and production. The Colts may be looking to recoup draft capital after making a big trade for Sauce Gardner last season, but moving on from an All-Pro talent like Franklin is an unexpected and risky decision.

The details

According to reports, the Colts have been in trade discussions with other teams about moving Franklin, who has been a durable and consistent presence in their lineup, missing just one game in his career. The team is looking to get under the salary cap ahead of the new league year, and Franklin's high-level production and salary could make him an attractive trade target for other teams in need of defensive help.

  • The Colts are exploring a trade of Franklin ahead of the new NFL league year, which begins next week.

The players

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts who was named to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams in 2024 after leading the NFL in tackles.

Indianapolis Colts

An NFL team based in Indianapolis, Indiana that is exploring trading away one of their defensive leaders, linebacker Zaire Franklin, as they look to get under the salary cap.

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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.”

— Adam Schefter, NFL Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

The Colts will need to decide on Franklin's future and a potential trade before the new league year begins next week, as they work to get under the salary cap.

The takeaway

The Colts' willingness to trade away an All-Pro talent like Zaire Franklin highlights the difficult roster decisions teams must make to manage the salary cap. This move could signal a larger shakeup in Indianapolis as they look to retool their roster, but it's a risky gamble to part with a defensive leader of Franklin's caliber.