The Indianapolis Colts are expected to be hit the hardest when it comes to the salary cap, which means linebacker Zaire Franklin could be cut before free agency. Matt Okada on NFL.com put together a list of cut candidates, and believes that the Colts are likely to release Franklin, following his production taking a huge dip. Originally selected in the seventh-round, the former All-Pro didn’t have the best season statistically in 2025. Still, the previous year, during the 2024 campaign, Franklin posted two interceptions, six pass deflections, five forced fumbles, 3.5 sacks, and a league-leading 173 combined tackles.
Despite the team giving Franklin an extension in 2024 before the breakout, the Colts will have to make a massive decision. Given the Colts need to figure out how to extend wide receiver Alec Pierce this offseason after a strong breakout of his own, it will likely come at the expense of Franklin.
Colts Predicted to Cut Zaire Franklin to Keep Alec Pierce
However, the team already has a ton of cut candidates they can work through to create space. The issue is that they’re sitting $35 million under the cap, which means it will take more than just releasing Pierce. Players such as cornerback Kenny Moore and wide receiver Michael Pittman all serve as cap casualties. It shouldn’t be surprising if these athletes are cut if the Colts can’t find a trade partner at some point during the offseason.
Other than Pittman, Franklin leaving the Colts would be huge in terms of the team having a strong, ferocious defense. The linebacker is turning 30-years-old in July, but he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down despite having a down season. Here are some possible free agent destinations for the Pro Bowler.
Possible Fits
Washington Commanders
With Von Miller and Bobby Wagner expected to hit the market, the Washington Commanders could revitalize their defense by signing Franklin. After firing Joe Whitt, coming off a disastrous year defensively, it’s time for the team to rebuild its defense. Frankie Luvu is one of the most vocal leaders in this defense, but he can’t do it alone. Franklin isn’t going to improve the defense overnight, but the Commanders have the cap space to sign him to a two-year contract and become a starter apart of this defensive pass-rush that struggled last season.
New Orleans Saints
Speaking of rebuild, the Saints are probably moving on without DeMario Davis, which means they will more than likely find a replacement via free agency. Unfortunately, they don’t have the cap space to sign the best linebacker available in the market, but Franklin might not demand the best contract. If anything, the Saints could sign Franklin to a one-year contract.
Davis indicated his desire to play elsewhere if a deal isn’t reached, which suggests that Franklin stepping in as the new leader for the Saints makes sense.
Kansas City Chiefs
While star Nick Bolton remains the staple for the Chiefs’ linebacker room, they are at risk of losing Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal due to cap constraints. The good news is that Patrick Mahomes restructured his contract while he’s recovering from a season-ending injury, with defensive tackle Chris Jones left to do the same. Kansas City could use an overhaul either way, and they may target a linebacker at some point in this year’s draft.
With the postseason in mind, the Chiefs are expected to return, but they need to play their cards right. This means Bolton will need help if Chenal and Tranquill depart. Franklin could be the perfect “prove it” athlete the Chiefs can sign for a year to lead the pass-rush group alongside Bolton.