Trending Now - Packers Trade LB Zaire Franklin to Colts for DT Colby Wooden

WHO:

Zaire Franklin, linebacker, Green Bay Packers

Colby Wooden, defensive lineman, Indianapolis Colts

Brian Gutekunst, General Manager, Green Bay Packers

Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

WHAT:

The Green Bay Packers acquired Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Colby Wooden.

Franklin received second-team All-Pro recognition and a Pro Bowl selection in 2024.

Franklin recorded 173 total tackles in 2024, leading the NFL, and 179 tackles in 2023, a Colts record.

Franklin has played in 132 games with 82 starts, recording 707 tackles (395 solo), 34 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 26 passes defensed, three interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.

Wooden played in all 17 games (16 starts) for the Packers in 2025, totaling 50 tackles, six tackles for a loss, and one quarterback hit.

Wooden was a fourth-round pick (No. 116 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft.

WHERE:

Green Bay, Wisconsin (Packers)

Indianapolis, Indiana (Colts)

WHEN:

The trade was announced on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026.

Franklin was drafted in the seventh round (No. 235 overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Franklin played for the Colts from 2018 to 2025.

WHY:

The trade aims to enhance the Packers' defense by acquiring a proven linebacker while the Colts seek to bolster their defensive line with a younger player.

HOW:

The trade was executed as a direct exchange of players between the two teams.

(UPDATED March 12, 2026 01:28 UTC)

In a significant trade announced last Wednesday, the Green Bay Packers acquired linebacker Zaire Franklin from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for defensive lineman Colby Wooden. Franklin, who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, has made a name for himself with impressive stats, including leading the NFL with 173 total tackles in 2024 and earning second-team All-Pro recognition and a Pro Bowl selection that same year. Meanwhile, Wooden, a fourth-round pick in 2023, played all 17 games for the Packers last season, making 50 tackles and contributing to the team's defensive efforts.