Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers
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General manager Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers made a big move on Saturday afternoon, pulling the trigger on a trade to acquire All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts.
In order to acquire Franklin, the Packers had to part ways with a starting defensive tackle last season. Colby Wooden was the return that the Colts wanted for Franklin.
While the move helped Green Bay fill a void expected to be left by Quay Walker in free agency, it opened up another need. Brian Gutekunst and the Packers’ front office will need to add help on the defensive line. Thankfully, there are quite a few options to choose from.
Looking at the upcoming free agency market, Green Bay will have no shortage of potential targets. One of those targets would be a surprise, but would also be a major impact signing.
Green Bay Packers Connected to Surprising Defensive Tackle
Bill Huber of On SI has suggested 40-year-old defensive tackle Calais Campbell as a possible option for the Packers this offseason.
“Nobody outruns Father Time but Campbell is putting up one hell of a fight. Campbell returned to Arizona last season and was a team captain for then-coach Jonathan Gannon,” Huber wrote.
“The oldest defensive player in the NFL is coming off a season of 6.5 sacks and a third consecutive season of 17 starts. He remains rock solid against the run. Really, the only place where age might be showing up is as a tackler, where he misses too many.”
There are few players, especially at the defensive tackle position, who have been able to remain so productive for so long. Campbell would likely only be a one-year fix for the Green Bay defensive front, but he would be well worth taking a flier on.
What Does Zaire Franklin Bring to the Packers’ Defense?
With Walker expected to leave town in free agency, the Packers badly needed to make an impact move at inside linebacker. That is exactly what Franklin will be.
Last season, Franklin had a rough season with Indianapolis. He struggled in the new system under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. A change of scenery in Green Bay could help him get back on track.
Just two years ago in 2024, Franklin put up monster numbers. He racked up 173 tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, and six defended passes. If he can play even close to that level for the Packers, they will be in great shape.
Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding Green Bay as free agency gets underway. The Packers aren’t far off from being a Super Bowl caliber team, but they will need to make some moves this offseason in order to get there in 2026.