Green Bay Packers Make Major Trade, Acquiring Zaire Franklin
GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers made a significant move on Saturday by acquiring former All-Pro linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. This trade marks a pivotal shift in the team’s defensive strategy as they look to strengthen their linebacker corps ahead of the 2026 season.
Franklin, who will turn 30 just before the start of training camp, has been a consistent presence on the field over the past four seasons. He started all but one game during that time and was named a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2024 after leading the NFL with 173 tackles. His experience and production make him a valuable addition to the Packers’ defense.
On the other hand, Wooden, who is only 25 years old, went from being a healthy scratch at the start of the 2024 season to starting 16 games in 2025. Known as “The General” for his leadership on the run defense, he played a crucial role in the team’s defensive success last year.
Trade Sends Clear Signal at Linebacker
This trade appears to signal the end of Quay Walker’s tenure with the Packers. Walker, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Monday, has been a key player for the team since being selected in the first round of the 2022 draft. Over four consecutive seasons, he recorded 100-plus tackles and five-plus tackles for losses.
General manager Brian Gutekunst acknowledged the importance of the upcoming week in determining whether Walker can return. “We have [talked], and this week’s an important week for all that stuff to gather the information to see if that will be possible,” Gutekunst said at the Scouting Combine. “But he’s obviously played very well for us in his time here and been an exceptional leader, and losing him would be tough.”
Despite Walker’s impressive stats, including a career-high 128 tackles in 2025, the Packers seem to be looking for a different direction. The team will now rely on Edgerrin Cooper, Franklin, Isaiah McDuffie, and Ty’Ron Hopper for linebacker depth. They may also bring back special teams ace Nick Niemann, though both he and Kristian Welch are set to be free agents.
A New Era for the Linebacker Corps
Walker’s performance over the last three seasons showed growth, both as a player and a leader. Then-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley praised his development, noting that Walker had become a “quarterback back there” in terms of reading the game and making adjustments. However, despite his tackle numbers, Walker didn’t make many game-changing plays, particularly in the playoffs when he struggled against the Bears.
Big Addition at Linebacker
Franklin, who entered the league as a seventh-round pick in 2018, has proven to be a reliable and productive player. After starting 11 games in 2021, he has started 67 of a possible 68 games over the last four seasons. His four-year average of 161 tackles per season speaks volumes about his consistency. Franklin is not just a tackler; he has also contributed with 33 tackles for losses, 10 sacks, 23 passes defensed, two interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles over the past four years.
In 2025, Franklin recorded 125 tackles, including two sacks and seven tackles for losses, along with one forced fumble and five pass breakups. His overall production makes him a strong fit for the Packers’ defensive needs.
Trade Creates Huge Hole on Defense
With Wooden now gone, the Packers face a bigger challenge on the defensive line. The team had already struggled with a lack of depth in this area, with players like Devonte Wyatt, Colby Wooden, and Karl Brooks shouldering most of the snaps. The loss of Wooden means the need for a stronger defensive line is even more urgent.
Wooden’s impact on the run defense was undeniable. As the nose tackle, he was responsible for holding down the middle of the defense, which helped improve the team’s run defense by 0.13 yards per snap in 2025. His contributions were vital, and his departure leaves a noticeable gap.
The Finances
Franklin is under contract through the 2027 season, with a base salary of $6.24 million in 2026 and $8.24 million in 2027. The Colts are still responsible for the signing bonus from his three-year, $31.26 million contract extension signed in 2024, which means Franklin’s cap charges will be $7.005 million in 2026 and $9.005 million in 2027.
The Packers had briefly been under the salary cap after restructuring Xavier McKinney’s contract, but the addition of Franklin puts them approximately $1.944 million over the cap. This move may lead to further changes, including potential releases of Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins.
