The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly looking into trading veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin, according to Adam Schefter.
If the Colts can find a trade partner, moving on from Franklin would help them get under the salary cap. After using the transition tag on Daniel Jones, they are currently $4.7 million over and must be under by March 11th when the new league year begins.
If the Colts did trade Franklin, that would open up $5.75 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season, per Over the Cap.
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.
GM Chris Ballard was asked about Franklin’s future at the NFL combine, and he was noncommittal in his response.
“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.”
If the Colts are unable to trade Franklin, they could release him and still save $5.75 million in cap space.
(This story will be updated.)
