Zaire Franklin

Zaire Franklin

29-Year-Old LinebackerLB
Indianapolis Colts
2025 Fantasy Outlook
Franklin blends the attributes that fantasy managers should be seeking in top IDP options. He's the definition of an every-down player, as he's topped 1,000 defensive snaps in three consecutive seasons, peaking at 1,112 in 2024. That allows him to tally ridiculous tackle totals, and he manages to add on some playmaking ability that other players at middle linebacker often lack. Franklin isn't great in coverage, but the Colts do rely on him in the role, allowing him to log six pass breakups in each of the last three seasons. Add in some selective usage as a pass rusher, and Franklin is a strong bet to remain one of the most valuable linebackers in IDP formats. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
#91.65
ADP
#Subscriber-Only
IDP
Signed a three-year, $31.26 million contract with the Colts in March of 2024.
Underwhelms in Week 2
LBIndianapolis Colts
September 15, 2025
Franklin recorded five total tackles (three solo) and one pass defended in Sunday's 29-28 win over the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Franklin, who averaged nearly 10.4 total tackles per game from 2022 to 2024, has tallied just nine stops through his first two contests this season. The Syracuse product was on the field for every defensive snap in the Colts' Week 2 win but finished fifth on the team in total tackles. He will look to generate his usual high-volume production when the Colts travel to Tennessee in Week 3.
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2025 NFL Game Log
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2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Indianapolis ColtsColts 2025 LB Snap Distribution
#% of Team Snaps

9190%
6665%
2727%
99%
22%
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2025 Zaire Franklin Split Stats
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Zaire Franklin See More
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Zaire Franklin See More
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2024
2023
2022
2021
It took some time for Franklin to get a chance to play full-time on the defensive side of the ball, but he emerged as one of the most prolific tacklers in the league in 2022. It would have been fair to question if a repeat was coming in 2023, but he doubled down on his production by topping 1,000 snaps for the second straight season while finishing second in the league with 179 tackles. Franklin doesn't offer much in terms of pass rush or work in coverage, but he'll stuff the stat sheet with stops weekly, making him one of the most valuable IDP players available. The Colts boast an elite defensive line, so Franklin should have no trouble continuing to crash down on ball carriers with little resistance from the opposing offensive line.
Franklin had a breakout season by setting the franchise record for tackles in a single season moving into an every-down role after star linebacker Shaquille Leonard was lost for the season after three games due to a neck injury. Franklin tallied a career-high 167 stops (102 solo), three sacks and six passes defended over 17 games. With fellow linebacker and Indianapolis' second-leading tackler Bobby Okereke (151) departing in free agency, Franklin should be in store for another prominent role alongside Leonard during the 2023 campaign.
Franklin won the starting strong-side linebacker role in the preseason, but he came off the field in nickel and dime packages, which limits his fantasy upside. He appeared in 17 games for the Colts last season and totaled 40 tackles (21 solo), two pass deflections and one interception. He figures to garner a similar role alongside Darius Leonard and Bobby Okereke during the 2022 campaign.
Franklin will compete for the starting strong-side role linebacker role in training camp after the departure of Anthony Walker. Franklin mostly worked in a reserve role last season, but he impressed against the run. He struggled against the pass by allowing 14 receptions on 16 targets, according to Pro Football Focus, so he could come off the field in nickel and dime formations.
More Fantasy News
Four tackles in victory
LBIndianapolis Colts
September 7, 2025
Franklin recorded four total tackles (two solo) in Sunday's 33-8 win over Miami.
ANALYSIS
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Healthy for Week 1
LBIndianapolis Colts
September 3, 2025
Franklin (ankle) did not appear on the Colts' injury report Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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Skips preseason game
LBIndianapolis Colts
Ankle
August 16, 2025
Franklin (left ankle) did not play in Saturday's preseason loss to the Packers.
ANALYSIS
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Makes training camp debut
LBIndianapolis Colts
Ankle
August 2, 2025
Franklin (ankle) was a limited participant in Saturday's training camp practice, Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.
ANALYSIS
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Won't be ready for start of camp
LBIndianapolis Colts
Ankle
July 22, 2025
Franklin (ankle) will not be ready for the start of training camp, Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.
ANALYSIS
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