It’s been roughly two months since the Indianapolis Colts traded Zaire Franklin, but on a recent appearance on ‘The Insiders,’ with Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Franklin was asked how the trade unfolded from his perspective.
Just before free agency opened, the Colts traded Franklin to Green Bay in return for defensive tackle Colby Wooden.
“Chris Ballard made some comments just about how he wanted to adjust on defense,” Franklin began. “And me and Ballard have a great relationship. I knew him, and my agent Drew Rosenhaus was going to meet and talk about just kind of how they saw my future. I was actually getting honored by the city of Philadelphia for some of the work that I have been doing in the city and I had to leave in the middle of the ceremony because Drew told me that the Colts are pretty much planning on moving on this season.
“And in the same breath, Ballard called mand he told me that literally two hours before he even made that decision, Green Bay was inquiring about my services.”
Franklin had spent his entire career with the Colts up to this point. A seventh-round pick in 2018, he earned his initial playing time on special teams before stepping into a starting role on defense.
At the beginning of this offseason, GM Chris Ballard alluded to there being some changes coming on defense for the Colts, mentioning that he wanted to get younger and faster overall.
“At that point,” Franklin continued, “they shopped me around a little bit. It was several teams that were interested. 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 compensations 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.”
Franklin’s absence left a void at linebacker for the Colts. Since this trade, Ballard signed Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, and then drafted CJ Allen and Bryce Boettcher.
Franklin finished his Colts career appearing in 132 games, which included 82 starts. He recorded 738 total tackles, 34 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Franklin also forced 10 fumbles, came away with three interceptions, and had 26 pass deflections.
The 2024 season was Franklin’s most decorated as a defender. He led the NFL in tackles, made his first Pro Bowl, and was named a second-team All-Pro.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Zaire Franklin discusses how Colts trade unfolded
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
