The Green Bay Packers have some work to do on the defensive side of the ball as they look ahead to the 2026 NFL season. Their defensive line depth is incredibly thin, especially following the trade of Rashan Gary to the Dallas Cowboys and Kingsley Enagbare signing with the New York Jets.
Additionally, the Packers lost linebacker Quay Walker in free agency to the Las Vegas Raiders. However, they obviously knew he was on his way out the door because they traded defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Zaire Franklin before NFL free agency began.
And while the loss of Wooden further complicated the depth issues on the defensive line, the Packers are optimistic that they can put together a stout unit in 2026. A lot of this, of course, has to do with the presence of Micah Parsons on the roster.
New Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin is looking forward to playing with Micah Parsons
Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) runs onto the field before the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Franklin is reuniting with Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon in Green Bay. Gannon was with the Colts from 2018-2020, Franklin’s first three years in the NFL.
And while the linebacker is excited to reunite with Gannon, he is also excited to play with Parsons:
“Absolutely, a pass rusher like Micah Parsons is gonna make everybody’s life a little bit better out there in Wisconsin.”@ZiggySmalls_ on what he’s looking forward to joining the @Packers. pic.twitter.com/vEXilJjQAb
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) March 10, 2026
“Absolutely, a pass rusher like Micah Parsons, he’s gonna make everybody’s life a lot easier out there in Wisconsin. Looking forward to it. Looking forward to getting out there and meeting the guys.”
Franklin said he also has a great deal of respect for Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who he said has a “sharp mind.” Additionally, he revealed that Jordan Love has already reached out to him, as have other Green Bay coaches and players.
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