The Indianapolis Colts are positioned well, salary cap-wise, this offseason, but could still create more space. One way to go about doing that, as one NFL analyst pointed out, is by releasing a veteran starter on the defensive side of the football.
Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus selected one potential cut candidate from each NFL team. For the Colts, Valentine picked linebacker Zaire Franklin.
“His 38.4 PFF grade was the lowest of his career and 87th out of 88 linebackers, and Indianapolis could look to cut Franklin this offseason,” wrote Valentine.
Franklin was a Pro Bowler in 2024 and has been extremely durable throughout his career. He’s been at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, helping out in the run game, and making plays as a blitzer.
However, what the Colts need is more of a coverage presence at the position. Ballard also mentioned wanting to get younger and faster on defense this offseason, which could be applied to the linebacker position, and he noted that addressing the front seven would be a priority.
According to Over the Cap, moving on from Franklin saves the Colts $5.75 million in salary cap space this offseason.
When asked about Franklin’s future at the NFL combine, GM Chris Ballard was non-committal.
“I think you guys all know my feelings for Zaire Franklin,” Ballard said, via the Indy Star. “We have a very close relationship. I thought he played good football, and the addition of Pratt, when we got him into the mix, he ended up adding a much needed will that we needed. The future, we’ll see. Pratt’s up. Zaire’s under contract, so we’ll see how that ends up playing out.”
Perhaps even more of a cut candidate than Franklin is Michael Pittman. By moving on from the wide receiver, the Colts would create a hefty $24 million in cap savings.
