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Zaire Franklin could be on the move.
The Colts are exploring a trade of the star linebacker in an attempt to get under the salary cap by next week, when NFL free agency kicks off, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
Franklin, who turns 30 in July, is entering the second season of a three-year, $31.26 million contract extension he signed in 2024.
Zaire Franklin reacts during the Colts’ blowout win Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025 in Indianapolis. Getty ImagesHe carries a cap hit of $8.25 million in 2026.
Last season, Franklin took the field in all 17 games for the Colts, recording 125 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.
Franklin, a seventh-round pick out of Syracuse by Indianapolis in 2018, had easily the best season of his eight-year NFL career in 2024, leading the NFL with 173 tackles to go along with two interceptions and five forced fumbles.
That showing earned Franklin his first career Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro, as well as some down-ballot votes for the NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Franklin rumor adds to what has been a chatter-filled offseason for the Colts, who finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs after a surprisingly hot start to the 2025 season.
Indianapolis linebacker Zaire Franklin stands on the sideline during the Colts’ loss to the Seahawks on Dec. 14, 2025 at Lumen Field. Kevin Ng-Imagn ImagesLate last month, the team gave former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson permission to seek a trade after a turbulent three seasons in Indianapolis.
It appears the Colts are also headed toward a future without wide receiver Alec Pierce, who is entering free agency and is already teasing potential destinations outside of the Hoosier State.
This week, the Colts used the rarely utilized transition tag on Daniel Jones after failing to strike a long-term deal with the quarterback, who is currently recovering from an Achilles injury after a breakout season.
The salary for a quarterback on a transition tag is $37.8 million.
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