Packers Trade for Franklin, Colts Lose Linebacker

0:00On March 7th, the Green Bay Packers made a bold move on the trade market, grabbing linebackers a year Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts. In exchange, they sent defensive tackle Colby Wooden, a 25-year-old, to Indy. This deal looks like a direct swap to fill the gap left by their top tackler. Franklin put up 125 tackles last season, leading the Colts for the fourth straight year, with over 100 each time. He has two years left on his four-year deal, worth $31 million, I.N. $260,000, keeping him locked in through 20. 27 Packers fans see this as waving goodbye to Key Walker, who topped the team with 128 tackles in 2025, and now heads. To free agency as a prime target, Walker's departure opens the door for Franklin to step right in as a key defender. Franklin, a former 7th round draft pick, turned heads with the Colts starting in 2022, after grinding on special teams early on. He became a tackling standout and runstopper, especially after injuries hit Indy's linebacker

1:04group. Meanwhile, the Colts face a rebuild at linebacker, losing two of their top three tacklers and seeing other contracts expire. Both teams gear up for free agency with fresh needs on defense, setting the stage for more moves ahead.