Zaire Franklin: Everything you need to know

The Colts traded Franklin to the Colts on Saturday in exchange for Colby Wooden, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The move gives the Colts some relief as they look to become salary cap compliant, and it also indicates that Quay Walker may not return to Green Bay, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Franklin has logged 100-plus tackles in each of the last four years, and his 173 combined tackles across 17 regular-season games in 2024 led the NFL. If Walker doesn't return to Green Bay, then Franklin would likely start alongside Edgerrin Cooper (ankle) in 2026.

Franklin tallied 12 tackles (seven solo) during Sunday's 38-30 season-finale loss to the Texans. Franklin struggled in 2025, as despite suiting up for all 17 regular-season games, his total of 125 tackles (62 solo), including 2.0 sacks, represents a notable decline after he had surpassed 165 tackles in each of the prior three seasons. The 32-year-old also had five passes defensed and one forced fumble in 2025. Franklin has two seasons remaining his three-year, $31.3 million contract with the Colts, but the team has a potential "out" this offseason for only $2.5 million in dead cap.

Franklin (illness) doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's game against the Texans. Franklin appeared on the injury report Thursday with an illness that prevented him from practicing. The linebacker was able to upgrade to a full participant Friday, just in time to clear him of any injury designation for Sunday's contest. Franklin is set to suit up beside Austin Ajiake and Germaine Pratt, with Buddy Johnson and Segun Olubi operating as reserve linebackers if the starters get injured or need to sit out some snaps.