The Indianapolis Colts have been speaking with teams about a trade for one of their most prominent defensive players.
The Indianapolis Colts have reportedly had discussions with other teams about trading linebacker Zaire Franklin.
The news was first reported by ESPN and then verified by multiple local sources.
There are two significant reasons the Colts would entertain moving on from one of their most vocal leaders and a player with a Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro to his name.
First is the money involved. The Colts are currently $4.7 million over the salary cap and must be within the $301.2 team cap by 4:00 p.m. ET on Wed., March 11.
Franklin has an $8,255,000 cap hit in 2026, with only a $2,500,000 dead cap, resulting in $5,755,000 in cap savings in 2026, plus another $9 million in 2027.
While Franklin is only the 13th highest cap hit for the Colts in 2026, he has become expendable as the Colts move into their second year under defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo.
The Colts hardly addressed the top of the linebacker depth chart entering last offseason, and it showed.
According to Pro Football Focus, Franklin had career-low marks in overall defensive grade (38.4), run defense (54.9), coverage (29.9), tackling (47.3), missed tackle rate (13.9%), and stops (39). Despite playing in every game, it was his lowest number of tackles (125) since becoming a starter in 2022 (by 42), and he recorded no interceptions, no fumble recoveries, and just one forced fumble.
Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover (87) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn ImagesWhen out in space, covering the middle of the field, Franklin was often on the wrong end of yards-after-catch opportunities by pass-catchers, as he surrendered a passer rating of 109.3 in coverage.
Meanwhile, the Colts are looking to get "younger and faster" on the defensive side of the ball. That's been the common phrase of focus throughout this young offseason.
For a 29-year-old player in Franklin coming off arguably his worst season, the logic is there as to why he no longer fits.
Despite coming off a down year, there should be interest in Franklin from teams with a schematic fit and who would like a starting-level linebacker at a reasonable price. A team that needs a veteran with run-and-chase abilities, or who knows the Gus Bradley-style system, could be willing to bring Franklin in for a Day 3 draft pick.
The Colts currently have five picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but are projected to be awarded two seventh-round compensatory picks.