Questionable
Injury Ankle
Est. Return 8/7/2025
2024 Defense Stats
TCKL
173
SACKS
3.5
INT
2
FF
5
TD
0
2025 Projections
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
Signed a three-year, $31.26 million contract with the Colts in March of 2024.
Won't be ready for start of camp
Franklin (ankle) will not be ready for the start of training camp, Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.
ANALYSIS
Franklin underwent a clean-up procedure on his left ankle earlier in the offseason and isn't quite ready to practice. He's been running, but there isn't a clear timetable for his return to full strength. Franklin started all 17 regular-season contests last season, registering an NFL-high 173 tackles (93 solo), including a career-best 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, including a pair of interceptions, and five forced fumbles. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and was named a second-team All-Pro. Franklin also received Defensive Player of the Year votes.
Franklin underwent a clean-up procedure on his left ankle earlier in the offseason and isn't quite ready to practice. He's been running, but there isn't a clear timetable for his return to full strength. Franklin started all 17 regular-season contests last season, registering an NFL-high 173 tackles (93 solo), including a career-best 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, including a pair of interceptions, and five forced fumbles. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and was named a second-team All-Pro. Franklin also received Defensive Player of the Year votes.
NFL Stats
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2024 NFL Game Log
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2024 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
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2024 Zaire Franklin Split Stats
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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.
More Fantasy News
Out of walking boot
Franklin (ankle) is no longer wearing a walking boot after undergoing surgery in May, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
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Undergoes ankle surgery
Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Friday that Franklin (ankle) had a clean-up procedure last week, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
ANALYSIS
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Another productive season
Franklin recorded 173 total tackles (93 solo), including 3.5 sacks, six passes defended, including two interceptions, and five forced fumbles over 17 regular-season games in 2024.
ANALYSIS
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Monster performance in Week 17
Franklin recorded 14 total tackles (seven solo), including four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants.
ANALYSIS
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Totals seven stops in Week 16 win
Franklin finished with seven tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 38-30 win against Tennessee.
ANALYSIS
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