A look at new Linebacker Zaire Franklin

Franklin has been in the league for 8 seasons.

All 8 of those seasons with the Colts.

Franklin has had a spectacular career with the Colts.

This includes four-straight 100-tackle seasons and an All-Pro selection in 2024.

In the same year he led the NFL in total tackles with 173 tackles.

He also set career highs with 3½ sacks, two interceptions and five forced fumbles.

Franklin is coming off a some-what down year for the Colts.

125 total tackles with seven tackles for loss and six quarteback hits.

Furthuremore he also had 2 sacks, five passes defensed, and a forced fumble.

So, what the Packers are getting is a veteran, who is proven in leauge to be one of the best.

Granted he is heading to the age where some say could be a factor at 30.

But he still has some gas left in the tank.

No stranger to Defensive Coordinator

Franklin is no stranger to new Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon.

During Franklin’s first three seasons as an NFL pro, Gannon was the Colts Defensive Backs coach.

After 5 seasons seperated, the two are reunited back together again.

So both have some familiarity with each other as both are new to the Packers.

Dependable

Zaire Franklin has shown that he is very dependable and versatile throughout his 8 years as a pro.

He has missed just one game in eight years, playing in 132 of a possible 133 games, with 82 starts.

Furthermore he has shown his durability in college as well never missing a game.

So this is something the Packers hope to keep going as we’ve seen in past season, where injuries really hurt the Packers.