The Green Bay Packers will be welcoming a new defensive weapon in the NFL free agency. The team pulled the trigger on a big trade with the Indianapolis Colts in the offseason, with Adam Schefter of ESPN breaking the news on Saturday.
Via Schefter on X (formerly Twitter):
“ESPN sources: The Colts are trading former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers. A former seventh-round pick, Franklin spent eight years in Indianapolis and was an organizational favorite who led the NFL in tackles in 2024 with 173.”
While it is not as big of a news as the Micah Parsons trade Green Bay pulled off just before the start of the 2025 NFL season, the Packers’ acquisition of Franklin is definitely a head-turner.
In exchange for Franklin, Green Bay sent defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Colts.
The trade also likely means that Green Bay will soon be parting ways with Quay Walker in the upcoming NFL free agency.
Franklin sends a message after Packers-Colts trade
The 29-year-old Franklin sounded excited about his next chapter in the NFL.
“Green Bay whaddupp 🧀🧀🧀 I heard yall was looking for a Dawg…I need a jersey swap pic asap 🙏🏾#GoPackGo,” the former Syracuse Orange star shared via a social media post on X, formerly Twitter.
A one-time Pro Bowler, Franklin played 17 games in each of the last two seasons. He had 125 total tackles and 2.0 sacks with six quarterback hits and five passes defended in 2025 for the Colts, who took him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In 2024, he inked a three-year contract extension worth $31.26 million with Indianapolis.
Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes with the football between Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) and linebacker Franklin (44) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at@theotherRobin19 and follow us@WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports,click here!