Chris Ballard discusses Zaire Franklin trade for first time
At the NFL league meetings, GM Chris Ballard reflected on Zaire Franklin's time with the Colts.
In a sit-down interview at the NFL league meetings, Indianapolis Colts' GM Chris Ballard discussed moving on from long-time linebacker Zaire Franklin. Prior to free agency starting, the Colts traded Franklin to the Packers, and in return, Indianapolis received defensive tackle Colby Wooden. "I couldn't be more -- like a seventh-round pick special teams captain for four years," Ballard said of Franklin.
"He just busts his tail on special teams, gets a chance to play on defense, ends up ascending. and then everything he does off the field. It's pretty incredible.
Pretty incredible guy. " Franklin was a seventh-round pick by the Colts in 2018. He worked his way up from a core special teams contributor to a stalwart in the middle of the Colts' defense and a team captain.
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. Franklin finished his Colts career appearing in 132 games, which included 82 starts.