The Green Bay Packers traded for linebacker Zaire Franklin this offseason, acquiring him from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive lineman Colby Wooden. With the departure of Quay Walker in free agency, the Packers will now be counting on Franklin to spark the team’s defense in 2026 and play a major role on the team.

The Packers Are Counting on Zaire Franklin to Spark the Defense: His Career So Far

Franklin has come a long way since the Colts selected him in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The former Syracuse star spent three seasons as a reserve linebacker and special teams contributor before becoming a starter in 2021. He spent the last five seasons as a starter for the Colts playing multiple linebacker positions over the course of his career.

His best season came in 2024 when he earned Pro Bowl honors after leading the NFL with 173 total tackles. He also added 3.5 sacks that season and 11 tackles for loss and intercepted two passes.

Last season, his numbers fell off a bit, but he still provided the Colts with strong leadership and steady play while starting all 17 games.

He remains a consistent tackler and a player who has been among the league leaders in tackles since becoming a starter for the Colts.

Where He Fits in with the Packers

The Packers are looking for Franklin to replace Quay Walker who departed in free agency to the Raiders. Franklin will also take over as the play caller on defense and wear the green dot on his helmet to communicate with coaches pre-snap just like Walker did last season. This will thrust him into a leadership position right away.

Under Jonathan Gannon’s three-man front, Franklin will have a lot of responsibility in the middle of the field. He has worked with Gannon before. Gannon served as the Colts defensive backs coach during Franklin’s rookie campaign.

Gannon feels excited to work with Franklin again. “We drafted Zaire when I was the DB coach there,” Gannon said. “So, obviously, got to know him a little bit and then [free agency] moved fast, they asked me about Zaire. Kind of like [Javon] Hargrave, team-first guy, tough as nails, very smart. Obviously, has had a very productive career. I’m excited to really have him.”

Expect Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper to be the starting linebackers in Gannon’s defense with Isaiah McDuffie and Ty’Ron Hopper next on the depth chart.

The Packers Are Counting on Zaire Franklin to Spark the Defense: What He Brings to the Table

One thing Franklin does well is take the football away. He forced 10 fumbles in the past four seasons including five in 2024. The Packers struggled to create turnovers last season and could use a player who can help them in that area.

Franklin also adds toughness and intelligence to the defense. He plays the run well but like his predecessor, struggles to keep up with backs and tight ends in pass coverage. Last season, opposing quarterbacks completed 74.2 percent of their passes when throwing to receivers covered by Franklin according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. That is slightly better than his career mark of 77.7. Their quarterback rating last season was 111.5 and for his career, that mark is 99.9.

When asked about his game, Franklin said, “On the field, I’m just a dawg. I ain’t gonna lie to you. That’s just how I like to play. I like to make plays and take the ball away.”

But he views his leadership and intangibles as vital, as well. “I’m really just one of the guys,” he said. “I done seen a lot, I done did a lot from a late-round pick to a full-time special -teamer to one of the highest paid at my position. I understand what it means to try and have to make a team and prove yourself in OTAs, and I also understand what it means when a team is looking for you to lead and stand out in front and be an example both in the locker room and in the community.”

The Packers will be counting on Franklin in 2026. If he plays well in the middle of the defense, the unit will benefit immensely. If he falters, there could be trouble.

 

 

 

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