The Green Bay Packers may need to land a starting-caliber middle linebacker this offseason, with a starter expected to depart in the coming days. Green Bay has reportedly attempted to re-sign Quay Walker, but the former first-round pick is set to test the open market and sign for a higher price than what they are willing to pay. This leaves Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper as the two in-house candidates to replace Walker. McDuffie has one year left on his deal, while Hopper has only logged 151 defensive snaps throughout his first two seasons.
The Green Bay Packers are set to land an All-Pro tackling machine
Indiana Colts, Zaire Franklin
Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
According to Adam Schefter, the Indianapolis Colts have traded Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers for Colby Wooden, with the deal finalized at the start of the new league year. The Packers will take on his base salary and per-game roster bonus, essentially a two-year, $16.01 million deal. Franklin brings leadership as a long-time captain, with experience totaling 84 starts and 739 tackles across his eight-year Colts career.
Trade terms:
🏈Colts receive DT Colby Wooden
🏈Packers receive LB Zaire Franklin. https://t.co/QBm9StcpR7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2026
Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign
Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Zaire Franklin took a step back in production in 2025 after leading the NFL in tackles and earning a Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2024, partly because he missed OTAs and mandatory minicamp while recovering from ankle surgery, and had difficulty adapting to the new defensive scheme under Lou Anarumo. He recorded 125 tackles, seven TFLs, two sacks, five pass deflections, and one forced fumble across 17 starts. Franklin also posted 21 missed tackles, 19 pressures, 26 run stops, a 6.5% stop rate, and allowed a 109.3 passer rating.
Also Read: “Back by Training Camp”: Indianapolis Colts Tackling Machine Underwent Surgery