Zaire Franklin #44 of the Indianapolis Colts
Zaire Franklin Shines Amid Colts’ Defensive Struggles: What’s Next for Indy’s Rising Star?
The Indianapolis Colts’ defense in 2024 struggled to find consistency, ranking among the worst in the NFL in points allowed (25.1 per game). As a result, the team parted ways with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, but even amid the underperformance, one player rose above the rest: linebacker Zaire Franklin. The former Syracuse standout had a career year, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and establishing himself as one of the most consistent and versatile defenders in the league.
Franklin’s Career Year
In 2024, Franklin took his game to new heights, marking a defining moment in his seven-year career. For the first time, he was named an All-Pro (Second Team) and received a well-deserved trip to the Pro Bowl. CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan lauds Franklin’s breakthrough performance, calling him the Colts’ MVP during a challenging 8-9 season.
“Franklin has been a productive linebacker for the Colts over the last few years but took it to new heights in 2024,” Sullivan writes. “For the first time in his seven-year career, Franklin was named as an All-Pro (Second Team) and to the Pro Bowl.”
Franklin’s rise from special teams player to defensive leader has been impressive. He earned captain status shortly after starting his career and began to hit his stride in 2022 with a franchise-record 167 tackles, including 12 for loss, 3.0 sacks, and six passes defended. The following season, he shattered his own tackle record, finishing with 179 tackles and once again leading the Colts in defensive efforts.
A Defensive Game-Changer
Franklin’s most significant improvement in 2024 was his ability to force turnovers—an area where he had struggled in prior seasons. With two interceptions, five forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks, Franklin proved himself to be an all-around linebacker who could change the game. His 11 tackles for loss also highlighted his ability to impact both the passing and running game, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Despite a few missed tackles throughout the season, Franklin’s relentless motor made him one of the most active players on the field. His ability to lead the defense and provide energy to a unit that struggled for much of the season is one of the primary reasons why he earned MVP honors in an otherwise forgettable year for the Colts.
The Future in Indianapolis
Franklin’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed by the front office. In 2024, the Colts extended him for three years at $31.2 million, keeping him in Indianapolis through 2027. His presence will be crucial as the team continues to build its defense, and it’s clear that he is now one of the foundational pieces for the future of this unit.
Looking ahead, the Colts will need to add more talent around Franklin if they want to turn their defense into a true strength. The hiring of Lou Anarumo as the new defensive coordinator presents an opportunity to revamp the scheme and better utilize Franklin’s strengths. Anarumo’s experience with dynamic defenses could help Franklin continue to thrive and potentially elevate his play even further.
The Colts will also need to address some of the ambiguity surrounding linebacker E.J. Speed’s future with the team. While it remains uncertain whether Speed will return, attention will likely turn to Franklin and rising talents like Jaylon Carlies to provide further support. General manager Chris Ballard has historically been successful in finding quality linebackers, so it’s reasonable to expect that Franklin will receive reinforcements in 2025—whether Speed stays or not.
What’s Next for Franklin?
As Franklin looks to build on his incredible 2024 campaign, the question remains: Can he continue to develop into one of the league’s top linebackers? His track record suggests that another Pro Bowl season is within reach, especially if he continues to force turnovers and make plays all over the field. For the Colts, keeping Franklin at the center of their defensive efforts will be key to their success as they look to rebound in 2025.
Ultimately, Franklin’s rise to prominence is a silver lining in what was a tough season for the Colts. As they rebuild their defense, expect the 28-year-old linebacker to be at the forefront of their efforts to reclaim a playoff spot and reassert themselves as a competitive force in the AFC.
