The Green Bay Packers have traded defensive tackle Colby Wooden to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for linebacker Zaire Franklin, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Wooden was selected by the Packers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Auburn. During his rookie season in Green Bay, the interior defender appeared in all 17 regular-season games, contributing 17 total tackles and 0.5 sacks as part of the defensive line rotation. He now moves to an Indianapolis front that looks to add youth to its interior depth.
In exchange, the Packers acquire a veteran defensive anchor in Zaire Franklin. Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2018, Franklin has developed into one of the most productive linebackers in the league. He recently set the Colts' single-season franchise record for tackles, recording 179 total stops in the 2023 season. Franklin has also served as a multi-year captain for Indianapolis, bringing significant leadership to the Green Bay locker room.
The trade represents a significant personnel shift for both teams as they adjust their defensive units ahead of the season. For Green Bay, the move adds a proven starter to the linebacker corps, while the Colts gain a young, versatile defensive tackle with three years remaining on his rookie contract.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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