The Green Bay Packers have acquired veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in a trade that sends defensive tackle Colby Wooden to Indianapolis. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the deal comes as the Packers face the potential loss of starting linebacker Quay Walker in free agency next week.

Franklin, 29, has two years remaining on a three-year, $31.26 million contract with no guaranteed money left. He'll earn $6.24 million in base salary this season, with roster bonuses potentially bringing his 2026 pay to $7.005 million. The Colts created over $5 million in cap space by trading Franklin's contract, though they'll need to absorb Wooden's $1.145 million base salary.

The trade represents the first major defensive addition for new Packers coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Franklin joins Green Bay after seven seasons with the Colts, where he led the NFL in tackles in 2024. The move appears designed to replace Walker, who could command around $15 million annually on the open market.