Zaire Franklin has been an absolute game-changer for the Green Bay Packers since joining earlier this offseason, stepping in as their starting Mike linebacker and even earning the captain’s patch. Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts just dropped some news that makes this whole trade a complete, undeniable slam dunk for Green Bay. Ian Rapoport announced Sunday that the Colts are waiving Colby Wooden, making this trade a clear win for the Packers.
Zaire Franklin: Balling Out and Leading the Pack
Let’s talk about Franklin, because this dude has been electric. The Packers picked him up for Wooden, and Franklin immediately made his presence felt. After Quay Walker headed to the Raiders, Franklin slotted right into that starting Mike spot, no questions asked. He didn’t just earn a spot, he locked down a new contract and, get this, was named a team captain in their preseason opener. That’s the kind of immediate impact you dream about from a new acquisition. Green Bay absolutely struck gold here, getting a leader and a foundational piece for their defense.
The Wooden Wobble in Indy
On the flip side, things haven’t exactly clicked for Colby Wooden in Indianapolis. Remember, he was Green Bay’s nose tackle in 2025 after Kenny Clark got traded for Micah Parsons, but he was apparently playing out of position. Wooden himself said after the trade that he was going to a “scheme that fits me better and I’ll be doing something that I know how to do.” Well, that quote hits different now, doesn’t it? Wooden, who was 273 pounds out of college, is now on the waiver wire. The Packers’ move to a 3-4 defense, with Jonathan Ford as their base nose tackle, makes even more sense when you look at how things unfolded for Wooden.
Wooden is now looking for a new home, either as a free agent or a waiver claim. Best of luck to him, because it takes guts to step up and play an out-of-position role. But for the Packers? Man, this trade is looking like pure genius. They got a captain and a starting Mike in Franklin, while Wooden is back on the market. That’s how you win an offseason move, folks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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