Colts GM Chris Ballard was noncommittal on LB Zaire Franklin returning next season.

01 March 2026

“We’ll see,” were the exact words Ballard used about the possibility of Franklin remaining with the team next season. The eighth-year linebacker carries an $8.3 million cap hit next season, but his release would clear $5.8 million in cap space if the Colts opted to part ways with him. Franklin totaled 125 tackles, seven TFLs, and two sacks in 17 games last season and has spent his entire career with the Colts. He’ll be 30 at the start of next season and should have plenty of suitors on the open market if he becomes available.