Colby Wooden defensive lineman Green Bay Packers
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 10: Colby Wooden #96 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after making a tackle against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in the game at Lambeau Field on November 10, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers have remained fairly quiet this offseason. Heading into the start of the legal tampering period on Monday, the team have not made any serious cap decisions – despite a strange situation occurring with edge rusher, Rashan Gary’s social media accounts.
But general manager Brian Gutekunst has now made his first major move of the spring and traded for former All-Pro linebacker, Zaire Franklin – giving up defensive tackle Colby Wooden in the process.
“ThePackers have traded DT Colby Wooden to theColts for LB Zaire Franklin, per me and Tom Pelissero.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday afternoon.
Wooden was going into the final year of his rookie contract this season, whilst Franklin has two years left on the three-year $31.26 million extension signed back in 2024.
The Packers will take on Franklin’s $6.24 million base salary this season, which increases by $2 million to $8.24 million in 2027.
Why Did the Packers Trade for Zaire Franklin?
Franklin had a breakout season in 2024, managing 173 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, 11 tackles-for-loss and 6 passes defended – all of which ultimately saw him make the second team All-Pro at the end of the year.
However, Franklin’s performance severely declined in 2025 under new defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and prior to the Packers trade was considered a potential cut candidate.
On the other hand, Woolen has been a very solid player for Green Bay since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but schematically he may no longer be a true fit in the Packers’ defensive set up.
Wooden was originally bought in as an undersized defensive tackle to operate in the 3-4 defensive end, 5-technique role. Yet, when the team switched to 4-3 under then new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley back in 2024, Wooden struggled to carve out more than a rotational role for himself in the new scheme – being neither a true 3-technique DT nor a fully fledged 4-3 DE type.
So it figures that Green Bay, who are looking for help at linebacker, would be willing to take a chance on a player with proven ability and leadership qualities, whilst giving back a talented but out-of-place defensive lineman with just one year left on his deal.
What Does This Mean for Packers Linebacking Corps?
This trade probably does not bode well for Quay Walker’s chances of getting a new deal from the Packers this offseason, unless the market for him is substantially thinner than expected, á la A.J. Dillon back in 2024.
There is no guaranteed that Franklin will be the same level of player he was in 2024; the Syracuse alum does turn 30 in July; but it would be certainly unsurprising if he ends up being the other starting inside linebacker to open the season in September, alongside the very impressive Edgerrin Cooper.
The Packers also have former third round pick Ty’Ron Hopper, along with sixth year veteran Isaiah McDuffie as backup options, but the pair have mostly been staples on special teams during their respective tenures with the organization. Although McDuffie did show up well when called upon in 2025.
Whether or not Green Bay attacks the position further in the draft remains to be seen. But the one thing that is almost certain – the Packers will bring in some form of reinforcements at DT before the start of the 2026 season.