Zaire Franklin, Green Bay Packers
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Zaire Franklin #44 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after sacking Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers made their first major move of the 2026 NFL offseason on Saturday afternoon, acquiring star linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts.
Ahead of NFL free agency, the Packers have attempted to work out a new deal with former first-round pick Quay Walker. Unfortunately, the two sides have been unable to come to an agreement. Green Bay decided to pivot to Franklin.
Franklin, who was originally a seventh-round draft pick by the Colts in the 2018 NFL Draft, has become a star. He has made the Pro Bowl once in 2024 and was also named a second-team All-Pro that season.
Last year in Indianapolis, Franklin struggled to adjust to the team’s new defense under coordinator Lou Anarumo. That led to a down season from the 29-year-old linebacker. However, joining the Packers could help him get back on track.
With that being said, Franklin took to social media to share his first words since being traded to Green Bay.
Zaire Franklin Speaks Out for First Time With the Green Bay Packers
In his first words as a member of the Packers, Franklin sent a message to the fans. He also shared that he’s looking for a Green Bay profile picture of himself.
“Green Bay whaddupp,” he wrote on X. “I heard yall was looking for a Dawg. I need a jersey swap pic asap.”
Zaire Franklin
Green Bay whaddupp 🧀🧀🧀
I heard yall was looking for a Dawg…
I need a jersey swap pic asap 🙏🏾 #GoPackGo
Clearly, the veteran linebacker is excited about his new opportunity with the Packers. At least for now, he’ll be a huge part of Green Bay’s hopes of making a Super Bowl run in 2026.
Should he be able to get back to the level of play that he showed just two years ago in 2024, this deal could go down as a massive offseason steal for Brian Gutekunst and the Packers’ front office.
What Will Zaire Franklin Bring to the Field for the Packers?
Back in 2024, Franklin was one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He played in all 17 games that year, racking up 173 total tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, and six defended passes.
Franklin has made a living off of being a tackling machine. He has shown himself capable of racking up tackles for loss, has been serviceable at rushing the passer, and is a strong linebacker with decent speed. Where he struggles comes in coverage.
That being said, his play style fits what Green Bay is losing in Walker.
It will be interesting to see what version of Franklin the Packers are getting. This move could end up making Gutekunst look genius, or it could end up being a massive loss with Walker leaving town.
Only time will tell, but there is good reason for Green Bay fans to be excited about adding Franklin to the defensive mix.