Zaire

Franklin

Franklin was set to enter 2024 on the final year of a three year contract, but is now under contract with the Colts through the 2027 season. Franklin totaled 179 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season, and has now tallied 160 or more tackles in each of the last two years. A staple of the Colts’ defense over the last two seasons, Franklin earned a PFF grade of 60.9 for his efforts in 2023.

Franklin missed Week 9 with the knee issue but is back in the lineup for Week 10. Inactive for the Colts are G Jack Anderson, CB JuJu Brents, G Arlington Hambright, LB Cameron McGrone, and TE Drew Ogletree.

Franklin was upgraded to a full participant in practice to close the week, so we fully expect him to play on Sunday barring a setback between now and kickoff. Franklin leads the Colts in tackles and is pacing the entire league in solo tackles. He has 1.5 sacks and two TFLs this season.

Cornerback Juju Brent was also out of practice because of a quad issue. Neither defender played in Week 9 and both look likely to sit out another week. Franklin leads the Colts in tackles while Brents, a rookie, joined the starting lineup in Week 4. The Patriots’ matchup with Indy will be far easier with Franklin and Brents sidelined.

The losses of Franklin and Brents are bad news for this Colts defense. Franklin leads the NFL with 102 total tackles entering Week 9. He also has 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed, two tackles for loss, and three QB hits. Meanwhile, Brents has been one of the main boundary corners for the Colts, who don’t have many options without him. This is good news for Bryce Young and the Panthers offense.

The deal includes $4 million in guaranteed money. Franklin has logged over 300 snaps on special teams in each of the past three seasons. He also earned more snaps as a linebacker last year and even started a game. Franklin totaled 40 combined tackles while adding a fumble recovery and an interception in 2021. The three-year deal could point to him taking another step forward as a linebacker in the upcoming season.

Franklin (6'0/230) is a strong athlete for a linebacker, tearing up Syracuse’s Pro Day after not being invited to the Combine. He earned honorable mention All-ACC honors as a senior after stuffing the stat-sheet with 85 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.