Horseshoe Heroes
FanSided

3 free agents Colts must re-sign this offseason

By Jaleel Grandberry

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Zaire Franklin #44 and Jahleel Addae #41 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate an interception in the game against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 21: Zaire Franklin #44 and Jahleel Addae #41 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate an interception in the game against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Colts
Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) prior to the game. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Colts must re-sign LB Zaire Franklin

Zaire Franklin is not only a piece of the defense, but he is an impact person for the entire team. Serving as one of the captains this season, Franklin is also in his first year as a full-time starter for Indianapolis.

In 13 games, Franklin has 27 tackles, a blocked punt and the first interception of his career. Defensively, he doesn’t have the highest production and is often subbed out for pass packages to get more defensive backs on the field, but he is a critical piece of this team.

Franklin’s leadership of the special teams unit and the team, in general, is well documented. The reaction of his teammates when he got his first interception in Week 11 shows what Franklin means to this franchise. Everyone seemed happier for him than Franklin was for himself; it was a genuine joy.

Those are the guys you want to keep around. Franklin has spent his entire career with the Colts and is integral to the current culture. The team should be able to re-sign him to an affordable deal and he can continue his development as a leader and a player.

Home/Colts News