Zaire Franklin Adds a Much-Needed Edge to the Packers’ Defense
Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin is already making a strong impression at training camp, bringing a physical, aggressive style that the defense has been missing.
Franklin joked after Tuesday’s practice that he hits so often simply because the coaches make the players wear shoulder pads. But beneath the humor is a serious mindset. The veteran linebacker says he becomes a completely different person once he steps between the lines.
Franklin embraces the role of an ultra-competitive defender who wants to challenge the biggest and toughest players on the field. He believes he can be the best player out there whenever he puts on the pads, and that mentality has quickly become noticeable in Green Bay.
The Packers turned to Franklin after deciding they likely couldn’t afford to retain four-year starter Quay Walker. Bringing in the 30-year-old veteran also meant getting older at linebacker, something Green Bay doesn’t typically do, particularly when it involved moving on from a younger player such as Colby Wooden.
Still, Franklin brings something valuable to a defense that has occasionally lacked toughness and physicality. He joins Edgerrin Cooper, whom the Packers hope develops into a star, and gives the unit an experienced leader with a proven track record.
Franklin recorded at least 125 tackles in each of his final four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, and his performance during camp suggests he can continue producing at a high level. More importantly, however, he wants the entire defense to embrace an aggressive identity built around physical play and creating turnovers.
For Franklin, defense is about taking something away from the opponent. He believes the Packers have the personnel to play with that kind of edge and has already seen encouraging signs during camp.
That physical approach has even carried over into practices against teammates such as MarShawn Lloyd and tight end Tucker Kraft. Franklin understands that delivering big hits can be tricky when you’re also trying to build relationships with new teammates, but he insists there is no personal animosity involved.
He views the team as a family. Brothers may compete, argue and even fight, but they ultimately look out for one another. Franklin believes that intensity during practice is simply another way of helping his teammates improve.
Kraft, in particular, has experienced Franklin’s physical style while returning from a torn ACL. Franklin took him to the ground during team drills on Sunday and delivered a couple of hard hits Tuesday. Rather than creating tension, the competition appears to be bringing out the best in both players.
Franklin says Kraft matches his energy and competitiveness, giving the Packers offense someone who can push teammates in much the same way Franklin challenges the defense. The two even eat breakfast together every morning despite their intense battles on the practice field.
The linebacker enters the season with an impressive résumé. He led the NFL in tackles in 2024, recording 11 tackles for loss, five forced fumbles and two interceptions on his way to second-team All-Pro honors. His production dipped to 125 tackles last season, but statistics aren’t what motivates him most.
Franklin’s primary objective is winning.
Rather than setting individual tackle or All-Pro targets, he wants to become the best version of himself and help Green Bay win games. If achieving that requires him to become the best linebacker in the league, he’s willing to pursue that challenge.
There is also an element of proving himself. The Colts traded their defensive captain after his production declined, giving Franklin another opportunity to show that he still belongs among the league’s top linebackers.
A former seventh-round pick who developed from a backup into a premier starter, Franklin has already overcome plenty of doubt throughout his career.
Now, he has another opportunity to prove his critics wrong—and he’s determined to make the most of it in Green Bay.
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