Chris Ballard discusses Zaire Franklin trade for first time
· Yahoo Sports
In a sit-down interview at the NFL league meetings, Indianapolis Colts' GM Chris Ballard discussed moving on from long-time linebacker Zaire Franklin.
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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. 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.
Without Franklin in the middle of the defense, the Colts find themselves quite short on experience at the linebacker position.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Chris Ballard reflects on Zaire Franklin's time with Colts before trade