The Indianapolis Colts didn't decide to make changes that some fans were hoping for this offseason. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen are still employed with the team. Instead, the team could look to reset its locker room culture, at least according to NFL.com's Matt Okada.
Would it be a surprise if that happened? Absolutely. The capital of the Midwest's team seems reticent to do anything as far as a real change. If Ballard and Steichen are still around (and, let's be honest, especially Ballard), then why should a player pay for their staying? Linebacker Zaire Franklin could, though.
That is what Okada thinks, anyway. He has two Colts players listed among many potential cut candidates this offseason. One is Franklin, and the other is cornerback Kenny Moore II. Moore, though, has been consistently better at his job than Franklin has been at his, and Moore is one of the best slot corners in the league.
NFL analyst belives the Indianapolis Colts could cut linebacker Zaire Franklin
Franklin, meanwhile, has been a vocal and effusive leader of the team for a few years. Having players willing to step up and take on leadership roles is, of course, important, but their perceived leadership might not be exactly what the team needs. Plus, Franklin simply needs to be better on the field.
As Okada writes, "One somewhat surprising cut candidate could be linebacker Franklin. While he’s been a full-time starter and tackling machine for Indy for the last several seasons, including a Pro Bowl bid in 2024, Franklin’s production dropped off quite a bit in 2025. His overall PFF grade of 38.4 was the worst among 67 linebackers with at least 500 snaps, and he turns 30 years old in July."
He was especially awful in coverage. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo doesn't want there to be an open space in the middle of the field in pass coverage. The DC would probably rather have athletic inside linebackers who can run sideline-to-sideline with ease against the run while also being able to cover running backs and linebackers. Franklin cannot do that latter.
In each year since he became a full-time starter in 2022, he's had a quarterback rating allowed of at least 103.2. That number was in 2022, and it's gone up each season since.
In 2025, he allowed 77.3 percent of his pass targets to be completed while allowing two touchdowns and 610 yards. In the past two seasons, the linebackers have broken up six passes, but allowed five touchdowns. That's bad.
How would the team accept Zaire Franklin being released? The move might signal that no one is safe in their jobs and needs to make the playoffs in 2026, or massive changes will be forthcoming. Of course, the Indianapolis Colts being who they are, Franklin is almost certain to return.