Colts Trade Franklin to Packers for Wooden

0:00On March 7th, the Indianapolis Colts are trading linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. Earlier this week, reports surfaced that the Colts were talking to other teams about moving Franklin and their general manager had been vague about. His future there, with free agency approaching, the team wants to clear some salary cap room. Franklin has been a fan favorite turned, divisive figure in recent years, partly due to bold comments on his podcast that didn't always match his play. Still, the 2018 7th round pick earned his spot as a starter, special teams ace, and defensive captain. Last season, he led the league with 173 total tackles and made the 2022 second team all pro and pro bowl. Meanwhile, Wooden, a 6 foot 4, 273 pound 4th round pick from 2023, steps in as a rotational piece. For the Colts, he started 16 of 17 games last year, notching 50 tackles and a past defense with solid grades from analysts.

1:03This swap gives Green Bay a proven tackler up front while bolstering Indianapolis's interior line depth as they gear up for the offseason moves ahead.