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Packers Agree to Acquire All‑Pro LB Zaire Franklin From Colts for DT Colby Wooden

The swap eases Indianapolis' 2026 cap burden, forcing Green Bay to clear space before free agency.

Overview

  • The teams agreed to a player-for-player trade on March 7, but it cannot be finalized until the new league year opens.
  • Green Bay will inherit Franklin's contract with a 2026 cap hit just over $7 million, and further cap moves are expected before Wednesday.
  • Franklin is expected to step into the middle linebacker role alongside Edgerrin Cooper, with NFL Network reporting Quay Walker is likely headed to free agency.
  • Indianapolis creates several million dollars in 2026 savings while taking on about $2.5 million in dead money, leaving a significant vacancy at linebacker to address.
  • The Colts receive 25-year-old Colby Wooden, a 2023 fourth-round pick who started 16 games last season and provides low-cost interior defensive-line depth in the final year of his rookie deal.