NFL Fines Colts’ Zaire Franklin for Late Hit Against Cardinals
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has been fined $11,593 by the NFL following a late hit during the third quarter of last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The incident occurred after Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw an incomplete pass intended for tight end Elijah Higgins. Franklin delivered a late, forceful hit on Higgins, resulting in a 15-yard penalty and giving Arizona an automatic first down.
This marks Franklin’s first fine for a late hit this season. If penalized again, he would face an increased fine of over $17,000, so the veteran defender will likely be cautious moving forward.
Franklin, now in his eighth NFL season, struggled in the game overall, earning the lowest grade on the team per Pro Football Focus. His season-long PFF grade sits at 37.7, placing him among the bottom five linebackers league-wide through six weeks. So far, he’s recorded 37 tackles, one sack, and defended three passes.
The Colts are relying on Franklin to elevate his performance, especially with the team’s defense plagued by injuries. Though he was a Pro Bowler last year, he hasn’t quite returned to that level of play in 2025. His late hit helped sustain a fading Cardinals drive that ended in a touchdown, underscoring how costly such penalties can be for an already thin defensive unit.
With the Colts recently releasing Joe Bachie and signing Germaine Pratt—who led the team in tackles in his debut—Franklin’s leadership and production are more crucial than ever.
Franklin will face a tough challenge next week against Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers. The last time these teams met in December 2022, Franklin had a solid showing with nine tackles and a sack. A similar effort will be essential if the Colts hope to notch their sixth win of the season.
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