Colts-Packers Trade: Zaire Franklin to Green Bay for Colby Wooden
GREEN BAY, WI – In a surprising move ahead of the free agency period, the Green Bay Packers have traded defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for linebacker Zaire Franklin, . The trade was reported by multiple sources, including Packers News and NFL Network.
The Packers, under General Manager Brian Gutekunst, appear to be proactively reshaping their defensive front. Wooden, who was considered the Packers’ best run defender on the defensive line last season, will head to Indianapolis. In return, Green Bay acquires Franklin, a linebacker who could potentially fill a void left by the impending free agency departure of Quay Walker.
This player-for-player transaction signals a broader plan to address needs on both sides of the ball. Gutekunst will need to find a way to mitigate the loss of Wooden’s run-stopping ability, but the team anticipates a strong draft class of nose tackles this spring. Securing a linebacker now could allow the Packers to focus on bolstering their defensive line through the draft, rather than prioritizing the position with an early-round pick.
Franklin, 29, brings a proven track record to Green Bay. He made his first and only Pro Bowl appearance in 2024, leading the NFL with 173 tackles, and 3.5 sacks. While tackles are considered an unofficial statistic by the NFL, his production is undeniable. He followed that up with 125 tackles and two sacks in 2025, demonstrating consistency and durability, having missed only one game in his NFL career.
The Colts, meanwhile, are reportedly making the move to free up salary cap space. According to overthecap.com, the team was $4.71 million over the $301.2 million salary cap as of , and needed to become compliant before the start of the league year. Franklin’s contract, a three-year, $31.26 million extension signed before the 2024 season, contained no remaining guaranteed money. Trading him saves the Colts $5.755 million against the cap.
The move comes as the Colts have been discussing potential trades for Franklin with other teams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Dallas Cowboys had been identified as a potential suitor, given their transition to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker and their need for linebacker depth.
The trade represents a calculated risk for both teams. The Packers are betting that Franklin can provide stability at linebacker while they address their needs on the defensive line. The Colts are prioritizing financial flexibility, potentially signaling further roster adjustments as they navigate the free agency period. This trade is likely the first of several moves for both franchises as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Packers will need to quickly assess their options for replacing Wooden’s impact against the run. While the draft offers potential solutions, they may also explore veteran free agents. The success of this trade will ultimately depend on how effectively Gutekunst can fill the void left by Wooden and how well Franklin adapts to his new role in Green Bay’s defense.