Zaire Franklin reveals why he picked Packers as trade landing spot

Zaire Franklin is embracing the next chapter of his NFL career as he gears up for the start of his stint with the Green Bay Packers.

Franklin played the first eight years of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. Indianapolis ultimately decided to part ways by sending him to Green Bay in exchange for Colby Wooden.

Franklin talked about the end of his Colts stint during his appearance on The Insiders show with league insider Ian Rapoport. He mentioned how the city of Philadelphia was honoring him at an event for his volunteering work there before his agent informed him about the news.

“I had to leave in the middle of the ceremony because Drew [Rosenhaus] told me that the Colts are pretty much planning on moving on this season. And in the same breath, Ballard called me and he told me that literally two hours before he even made that decision, Green Bay was inquiring about my services. At that point, he shopped me around a little bit with several teams that were interested,” Franklin said at the 1:14 mark.

“Much love to Ballard because he kind of gave me and my agent our choice of what opportunity fits us best. Obviously, he wanted some necessary conversation back on his side as well, too. But I just thought we handled it with class, and I went to a first-rate organization in Green Bay with a chance to compete for a Super Bowl this season.”

“When you got a quarterback and a pass-rush, you got a chance.”#Packers LB Zaire Franklin joined The Insiders on @NFLNetwork to discuss his new team, his new coordinator, and what he thinks of the schedule. pic.twitter.com/iLORzxJ5MJ

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 16, 2026

What lies ahead for Zaire Franklin, Packers

Zaire Franklin is grateful for the experience he had with the Colts. He got a graceful exit from Indianapolis as he begins his time with the Packers.

From 2018 to 2025, Franklin took part in 132 games that featured 82 starts. He racked up 738 tackles, 34 TFLs, 26 pass deflections, 10 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and three interceptions. This past season saw him put up 125 tackles, seven TFLs, five pass deflections, two sacks, and one forced fumble.

The Packers look to improve from a 9-7-1 season in 2025. They lost to the Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card round.

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