March 5, 2026, 9:22 p.m. ET
The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly looking to trade veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin. So which teams could be interested in making a deal?
If the Colts were to find a trade partner, doing so would free up $5.75 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. As of now, the Colts are $4.7 million over the 2026 cap after placing the transition tag on Daniel Jones.
Franklin was a Pro Bowler during the 2024 season and also led the NFL in tackles that year.
Throughout his career, he has been quite durable and has been at his best playing closer to the line of scrimmage, helping out in the run game, and making plays as a blitzer.
Franklin still has two years remaining on his current deal that a new team would inherit.
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To get an idea of which teams could be willing to make a trade for Franklin, I reached out to the other managing editors within our NFL wires network. Two responded, believing that the teams they cover could benefit from trading for Franklin.
Why the Bucs would trade for Franklin: “Lavonte David has been the staple in the middle of their defense since being drafted there in 2012. At age 36 for the 2026 season, and coming off a down 2025 season, age has finally caught up to him. On top of that, athletic running backs rack up a lot of work in the passing game due to him not being able to close so adding a younger piece to the group like Franklin would be ideal for Tampa Bay.” – Andrew Harbaugh
Why the Broncos would trade for Franklin: “Dre Greenlaw missed seven games due to injury last season and another game due to suspension. The Broncos would save $6 million if they cut him this offseason, and Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are both set to become free agents next week. Denver has said they would like to re-sign Singleton and Strnad, but it remains to be seen if they’ll be able to. The Broncos should be in the market for linebackers, so they could be a team to watch on the Franklin front.” – Jon Heath