Colts Trade Franklin to Packers for Wooden

0:00On March 7th, the Indianapolis Colts have traded linebackers Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. Franklin, a former pro-ball player, wraps up eight strong seasons with the Colts, while the 25-year-old Wooden brings fresh depth to Indies. Front. This move helps both teams right away. Green Bay gains linebacker experience to bolster their defense, and Indianapolis adds size next to stars like DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Franklin struggled in coverage, and tackles last year under the new defensive coordinator, making him expendable. Fans and analysts see it as a win-win. Franklin's career in Indie featured 738 tackles, including an NFL leading 173 in 2024, plus. Ten sacks and a pro-ball nod. He overachieved as a seventh-round pick, and now heads to the NFC North for a fresh start. Wooden had his best season yet in 2025, with 50 tackles and six for loss over 17 games.

1:00He slots into a Colts rotation, facing some contract questions, as they eye-free agency and the draft for more help at linebacker. With the trade done, Indianapolis sits cap compliant at about $154,000 in space, as free agency kicks off March 11th. Expect more moves to reshape the defense heading into 2026.