The Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts have made a pre-free agency trade, swapping key defensive pieces. The Packers are sending defensive tackle Colby Wooden to Indianapolis in exchange for linebacker Zaire Franklin, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday.
Wooden, a 2023 fourth-round pick, started 16 games last season for Green Bay, recording 50 tackles, six tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. He has one year remaining on his rookie contract with a modest $1.3 million cap hit, making him an affordable addition for the Colts. Moving Franklin’s $7 million cap hit off their books helps Indy address both salary flexibility and depth along the interior defensive line, even if it means parting with a longtime contributor.
Franklin, 29, has been a mainstay for the Colts since being drafted in 2018, appearing in 132 games with 82 starts, including 67 of 68 games over the past four seasons. His standout season came in 2024 when he led the league with 173 tackles and earned Pro Bowl honors. Franklin will step in as a natural replacement for Quay Walker, who appears headed for free agency, and provide veteran leadership for younger off-ball linebacker Edgerrin Cooper.
Meanwhile, the status of Packers pass rusher Rashan Gary, who recently posted and deleted a farewell to Green Bay on social media, remains unchanged, according to Rapoport.
Both teams addressed pressing roster needs just days before free agency, setting themselves up to navigate the coming week’s whirlwind of signings and trades.
