Days before free agency is set to begin, the Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers have agreed to a player-for-player swap. NFL Network’s Ian Rappoport and Tom Pelissero reported that the Colts are sending LB Zaire Franklin to the Packers in exchange for DT Colby Wooden.
Two days ago, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Colts were discussing trade options for their star linebacker. Now, the former seventh-round pick will fill a need for the Packers' defense.
Franklin has been with the Colts since being drafted in 2018 and has quickly developed into a game-changer for the Indianapolis defense. He led the NFL with 173 tackles in 2024 and made his first Pro Bowl. He has recorded 125 tackles or more in each of the last four seasons.
By trading Franklin, the Colts will save $5.75 million before free agency opens. The team might not be done making moves as rumors swirl around trade possibilities for WR Michael Pittman Jr., while the team attempts to make room to bring back QB Daniel Jones and WR Alec Pierce.
Franklin is entering the second year of a three-year, $31.3 million contract extension.
The Packers will plug Franklin into the middle of their defense immediately to replace LB Quay Walker, who is set to hit the open market on March 11. The move is the first step toward rebuilding the defensive front for Green Bay. One valuable piece of that group is headed back to Indianapolis in the deal.
Wooden, a former fourth-round pick by the Packers in 2023, had a career year last season in Green Bay. He started all 16 games and tallied 50 tackles and six tackles for loss as a leader along the defensive line.
Entering his fourth season, Wooden will cost $1.145 million this season on the final year of his rookie deal. After spending his first two seasons as a reserve, Wooden's breakout season as a starter in 2025 should make him a valuable piece for the Colts next season.
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