Indianapolis Colts Consider Trading Linebacker Zaire Franklin: Potential NFL Shakeup on the Horizon

There’s buzz around the NFL about the potential movement of Zaire Franklin.

The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly considering trading their standout linebacker as they strategize to meet salary cap requirements ahead of next week’s NFL free agency period, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.

Franklin, who will celebrate his 30th birthday in July, is currently in the second year of a three-year contract extension worth $31.26 million, which he signed in 2024.

In 2026, Franklin is slated to have a cap hit of $8.25 million.

Last season, Franklin played all 17 games for the Colts, making a significant impact with 125 tackles, two sacks, and a forced fumble.

Franklin, a seventh-round pick out of Syracuse by Indianapolis in 2018, had easily the best season of his eight-year NFL career in 2024, leading the NFL with 173 tackles to go along with two interceptions and five forced fumbles. 

That showing earned Franklin his first career Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro, as well as some down-ballot votes for the NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year award. 

The Franklin rumor adds to what has been a chatter-filled offseason for the Colts, who finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs after a surprisingly hot start to the 2025 season. 

Late last month, the team gave former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade after a turbulent three seasons in Indianapolis. 

It appears the Colts are also headed toward a future without wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is entering free agency and is already teasing potential destinations outside of the Hoosier State.

This week, the Colts used the rarely utilized transition tag on Daniel Jones after failing to strike a long-term deal with the quarterback, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury after a breakout season.

The salary for a quarterback on a transition tag is $37.8 million.