The Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts are coming off a good yet disappointing season. Both teams started hot but ended up with no playoff victories. However, the two teams just made a trade that might put both over the top.
Why the Green Bay Packers Trading for Zaire Franklin Is a Great Move
While the defender change some were expecting would be edge rusher Rahsuan Gary, Ian Rapport tweeted, “The status of Gary remains unchanged.”
However, the defender on the move is defensive tackle Colby Wooden, as Adam Schefter tweeted, “Trade terms: Colts receive DT Colby Wooden. Packers receive LB Zaire Franklin.” So why did the Green Bay make this trade with the Indianapolis Colts?
Trade terms:
🏈Colts receive DT Colby Wooden
🏈Packers receive LB Zaire Franklin. https://t.co/QBm9StcpR7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2026
While some are expecting it to be edge rusher Rahsuan Gary, Rapoport tweeted, “The status of Gary remains unchanged.”
However, the defender on the move is defensive tackle Colby Wooden, as Schefter tweeted, “Trade terms:Colts receive DT Colby Wooden, Packers receive LB Zaire Franklin.” So why did the Green Bay make this trade with the Indianapolis Colts?
The status of Rashan Gary remains unchanged. https://t.co/KhwG9VkEI8
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2026
Franklin fills a hole for defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s unit. The Packers have Quay Walker, but as Field Yates says, “Quay Walker (is) scheduled to become a free agent on Monday.”
With Quay Walker scheduled to become a free agent on Monday, the Packers add Zaire Franklin. https://t.co/1X6TK6gJW6
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 7, 2026
There was some discussion that Green Bay might have resigned Walker before Monday. However, as Green Bay Athletic beat writer Matt Schneidman put it, “this likely means Quay Walker won’t be back.”
So, in a sense, this is an indirect swap at the linebacker position for Green Bay. Basically, bringing in Franklin and letting go of Walker. Even though Walker graded out higher, at a B, while Franklin only got a C, according to the PFSN NFL LB Impact Metric. However, Franklin does have some things he does over Walker.
The main element is experience, as Franklin has been in the league for four more years than Walker. As Tyler Brooke, writer for Acme Packing Company, said, “You want to talk about adding leadership to a young locker room? That’s a move right there.”
You want to talk about adding leadership to a young locker room? That’s a move right there https://t.co/1Xn3PQTOkv
— Tyler Brooke (@TylerDBrooke) March 7, 2026
Additionally, Franklin’s best moments have been higher than Walker’s as Franklin was named to the all-team second pro in 2024.
Franklin enters a linebacking room in Green Bay that has some good talent. Edgerrin Cooper and Isiah McDuffie have both flashed some great moments in Green Bay. Bringing in Franklin could help boost that room, given his strong leadership and knowledge of the game.
Cooper, on his own, is a solid player. If he were the starter for Green Bay when Walker leaves, the Packers’ defense could be good. However, bringing in Franklin, in a sense, gives Green Bay two number-one linebackers. As Jordan Schultz said, “Zaire Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper are a lethal 1-2 punch at LB for the #Packers.”
Zaire Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper is a lethal 1-2 punch at LB for the #Packers. https://t.co/Mo3QIAkHfF
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 7, 2026
In a division with playmakers who attack the middle of the field, such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Colston Loveland, and Justin Jefferson. So having two good linebackers is a huge plus for Green Bay in a tough NFC North. Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons showed excitement as he tweeted out “Oh shi#.”
In terms of the Colts, as Rapoport said, “both teams fill a position of need.” Both the Colts’ defensive tackle starters, DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, are over 30. Wooden is 25, so the Colts do get younger there.
Overall, this trade helps both the Packers and Colts remain steady teams in the NFL race.
