Packers GM explains trade for Zaire Franklin, early free agent signings

Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst discussed trading for veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin and signing defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste and receiver/returner Skyy Moore during free agency while answering questions at the league's annual meeting in Phoenix on Monday. On Franklin, Gutekunst said the Packers previously attempted to acquire him from the Indianapolis Colts early in his career, and the team likes his fit as a veteran replacement for Quay Walker at middle linebacker and in the locker room. "Obviously very good leader, as well, captain there, so I think as we kind of went down and we realized it was gonna be really tough to get Quay back, I wanted to make sure we had an answer at middle linebacker, particularly one that might have some veteran presence, and I think we were excited to accomplish that," Gutekunst said.

Franklin has four straight seasons with 100 or more tackles and is just one year removed from an All-Pro season in 2024. He turns 30 in July. The Packers signed Hargrave, who was a highly disruptive player under Jonathan Gannon in Philadelphia, after he was released by the Minnesota Vikings.

Gutekunst sees a complete defensive tackle who still has plenty left in the tank even after 33 years old. "He's been an exceptional player in his career. He's been one of those guys who have excelled as a run stopper and pass rusher, he's a complete player," Gutekunst said.

Gutekunst admitted that because Hargrave was released and wouldn't count against the compensatory pick formula, the fit in Green Bay made sense. He also said the team consulted with Gannon on both Franklin and Hargrave given their previous histories together in Indianapolis and Philadelphia, respectively. In St-Juste, Gutekunst thinks the Packers are getting a quality perimeter cornerback coming off a solid 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers.