Packers just gave newest acquisition a big raise 2 Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) rushes with the football between Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones (40) and linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Packers’ Zaire Franklin believes he is Green Bay’s ‘missing piece’

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 8:47 AM ET

According to new Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin, Green Bay has had significant interest in acquiring him for several years, and this offseason’s trade couldn’t have come at a better time.

Green Bay is looking to take the next meaningful steps after having the Packers’ season end in the NFC Wild Card round each of the past two seasons, and Franklin believes that, after being traded from the Indianapolis Colts earlier this month, he can be a big part of a Super Bowl chase.

Zaire Franklin on Packers’ Super Bowl chances

During an appearance on the Between The Hashmarks Podcast, Franklin revealed why he is so optimistic that he can be a big part of bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay.

“It was major,” Franklin said, during an appearance on the Between The Hashmarks Podcast, when asked how vital the chance to chase a ring was to him, in his next destination . “You look at Jordan Love, a great young quarterback in this league, who’s really starting to hit his stride. Obviously, the head coach is one of the elite playcallers in this league, and defensively, from [Xavier] McKinney to Micah [Parsons], I’m looking forward to getting with [Edgerrin] Cooper and [Javon] Bullard; it’s going to be a good thing.

“I looked at that team, and I felt like I was the piece that’s been missing to take them over the top.”

Dropping Franklin into the middle of a defense built around All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, and alongside a rangy and athletic linebacker such as emerging third-year star Edgerrin Cooper, new coordinator Jonathan Gannon may finally have the pieces to elevate the potential of all the Packers’ weapons on the field.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst has been aggressive in reshaping this roster, and in Franklin, he has found a player who isn’t just looking to fit in—he’s looking to lead the charge to February.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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