The Green Bay Packers are welcoming Zaire Franklin as he begins the next stage of his NFL career, preparing to join the team for the upcoming season.
Franklin began his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, where he played for eight seasons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. The Colts later decided to move him, sending him to the Green Bay Packers in return for Colby Wooden.
The 29-year-old reflected on the end of his time with the Colts during an appearance on The Insiders with NFL insider Ian Rapoport. He shared that he was being recognized in Philadelphia for his volunteer work when his agent informed him of the news about his move.
Zaire Franklin on joining the Green Bay Packers
“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,” the newest member of the Packers commented.
“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
Franklin expressed appreciation for his years with the Colts, looking back on his time in Indianapolis in a positive light as he moves forward with the Green Bay Packers.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
“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.”
Between 2018 and 2025, Zaire Franklin played in 132 games, starting 82 of them, and compiled 738 total tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 26 pass breakups, 10 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and three interceptions. During the latest season, he added 125 tackles, seven tackles for loss, five pass deflections, two sacks, and one forced fumble.