It's been about two months since the Indianapolis Colts made the decision to trade linebacker Zaire Franklin, but the veteran defender recently opened up about how the deal actually went down behind the scenes. Appearing on "The Insiders" with Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Franklin gave fans a fascinating look at the trade process from his perspective.
The Colts sent Franklin to the Green Bay Packers just before free agency opened, bringing back defensive tackle Colby Wooden in return. For Franklin, a seventh-round pick in 2018 who worked his way from special teams standout to defensive starter, it marked the end of an era in Indianapolis.
Franklin recalled receiving the news during an unexpected moment. "Chris Ballard made some comments about how he wanted to adjust on defense," Franklin shared. "Me and Ballard have a great relationship. I was actually getting honored by the city of Philadelphia for some work I've been doing there, and I had to leave in the middle of the ceremony because my agent Drew Rosenhaus told me the Colts were planning on moving on this season."
The timing was especially dramatic. "In the same breath, Ballard called and told me that literally two hours before he even made that decision, Green Bay was inquiring about my services," Franklin added.
General Manager Chris Ballard had hinted at defensive changes earlier this offseason, emphasizing a desire to get younger and faster as a unit. That set the stage for Franklin's departure, though the process was handled with mutual respect.
"They shopped me around a little bit," Franklin continued. "Several teams were interested. Much love to Ballard because he gave me and my agent our choice of what opportunity fits us best. Obviously, he wanted some necessary compensation back as well. But I just thought we handled it with class, and I went to a first-rate organization in Green Bay with a chance to compete for a Super Bowl this season."
Franklin's departure leaves a significant void at linebacker for the Colts. For the former seventh-round pick who became a defensive leader, it's a new chapter with a storied franchise—and a chance to chase the ultimate prize.