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Zaire Franklin
LB · GB

Zaire Franklin

Position LB
Team GB
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Zaire Franklin

NFL player. Position: LB. Team: GB.

Quick Facts

  • Position: LB
  • Team: GB (Green Bay Packers)
  • Career: 2018 7th-round pick out of Syracuse; now 9-year veteran

2026 Outlook

Zaire Franklin joins the Packers in 2026 as a proven, high-volume tackler reuniting with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, who mentored him in Indianapolis. Franklin made the All-Pro Second Team and Pro Bowl in 2024 after leading the league in tackles, forcing five fumbles, intercepting two passes, and registering 3.5 sacks. His 2025 season was less prolific (one forced fumble, no interceptions, two sacks) as the Colts' defense struggled, but he remains a "career-lows are some guys' career-highs" type player—exactly the kind of veteran leader Green Bay values. Heading into his age-30 season, Franklin brings elite leadership (named a captain in Indianapolis) and will pair with rising-star young linebacker Edgerrin Cooper to lead the Packers' defense under Gannon. The Franklin-Gannon reunion creates a potentially strong defensive interior supporting the team's championship aspirations. (per Packers' Jonathan Gannon, Zaire Franklin reunite in Green Bay to lead defense)

The shift to a 3-4 base defense (from 4-3) actually favors Franklin. A 3-4 defense requires only two off-the-ball linebackers versus three in a 4-3, but the Packers will still use their strong linebacker depth—Franklin and Edgerrin Cooper will see significant snaps, with secondary options like Isaiah McDuffie filling the 4-3 looks when Gannon adjusts. Franklin's high tackle count remains likely given his experience and Gannon's system. (per Packers Hint at 3-4 Defense; Here's Depth Chart, Challenges)

Franklin's arrival brings stability and veteran leadership following Quay Walker's offseason departure. The Packers' decision to carry an unusually deep linebacker room reflects their philosophy that linebacker depth—combining proven veterans, emerging young talent, and special-teams contributors—is critical for championship contention. Franklin serves as the anchor point, allowing younger linebackers like Cooper to develop while providing experienced presence that Gannon values in the center of the defense. (per Will the Packers Go Heavy At Linebacker This Year?)

Role / Depth Chart

Starting linebacker. Will wear the green dot (defense quarterback role). Expected to co-lead the Packers' defense with Edgerrin Cooper.

Injury Status

None reported.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Can Franklin maintain tackle and play-making volume at age 30?
  • How will the Franklin-Cooper partnership develop for the Packers defense?

Sources