Zaire Franklin
Getty
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin
The Indianapolis Colts are currently attempting to retain two key members of the 2025 season, but salary cap issues make it difficult.
Pro Football Focus’ Thomas Valentine names linebacker Zaire Franklin as a cap cut candidate for the Colts to clear some money.
“Zaire Franklin has been a leader for the Colts’ defense over the last few years and is naturally a fan favorite, but he suffered a drop in production in 2025. His 38.4 PFF grade was the lowest of his career and 87th out of 88 linebackers, and Indianapolis could look to cut Franklin this offseason,” Valentine wrote.
“Moving on from Franklin would leave a hole in the middle of the team’s defense, but it would save $5.7 million in cap space.”
The linebacker has been a consistent starter since becoming a full-time starter four seasons ago, missing one game in his career. Franklin earned a Pro Bowl and a second-team All-Pro nod in the 2024 season after recording 173 tackles, the most in the league.
The Colts will have around $39 million in cap space if they are to part ways with Zaire Franklin.
Colts GM On Offseason Focus
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard.
GettyColts general manager speaks on the upcoming offseason
While Zaire Franklin has been a key member of the Indianapolis Colts’ defense for the last four seasons, totaling 644 tackles, it appears the team will have a new approach entering the 2026 season.
Indy general manager Chris Ballard was asked at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine what position the Colts will get “younger and faster.” Here’s what he said:
“The front 7, we’ve had some pretty good players here. Like speed on defense we gotta get faster on defense and we really have to on the front 7.”
“We gotta see how free agency works out and then you attack the draft in that way. The draft we think is good on the defensive side of the football especially in the front 7. But it’s a definite area we need to address.”
Ballard acknowledges that the Colts may lose (or lose out on players) in the offseason due to age.
Franklin, who led the Indy in tackles this season, will be 30 years old at the start of the 2026 season.
The other main linebacker on the Colts squad, Germaine Pratt, was also 29 years old in the 2025 season, so adding some youth will be a positive for Indianapolis. Pratt was signed to a one-year deal and appears unlikely to return due to his age.
Addressing the Offense
Alec Pierce
GettyIndianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce
As mentioned earlier, if the Indianapolis Colts were to cut Zaire Franklin, it would create around $39 million in cap space. It isn’t much, but it makes things easier when trying to retain Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.
It has been known that Indy would like to keep both players, with GM Chris Ballard saying talks are going well.
Both players have said that they would like to return, but money is tight. Jones is expected to land a deal of over $40 million per year, with Piece projected to be around the $20 million mark.
With a limited cap, the Colts will need to make more cap cuts if they want to keep both.
NBC Sports’ Matthew Berry mentioned that some executives around the league at the Scouting Combine believe it would be hard for the Indianapolis Colts to keep both.
If Indy doesn’t, it would be fair to keep Zaire Franklin on the roster as a key member of the defense.