🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS TARGETING ALL-PRO LB ZAIRE FRANKLIN: Colts Linebacker Could Be Next Big Addition 👇

Dallas, TX – The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly in the mix to acquire linebacker Zaire Franklin, who has been made available by the Indianapolis Colts. Just hours after ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Colts are shopping Franklin, Pro Football Talk’s Charean Williams identified the Cowboys as a team to watch in the pursuit of the 2024 All-Pro linebacker.

Zaire Franklin on the Trading Block

Franklin, who led the NFL in tackles in 2024, is entering the final years of his contract with two seasons remaining on a three-year, $31.26 million extension that he signed with the Colts. With Indianapolis looking to shed salary and get under the cap by next week, the Colts have already begun trade discussions involving their star linebacker.

“The Colts are speaking with teams about a trade for their former Pro Bowl LB Zaire Franklin as they look to get under the salary cap by next week,” Schefter wrote on X. Franklin’s trade availability is being closely monitored by several teams, but Williams specifically pointed to the Cowboys as a top contender for his services.

Why the Cowboys Could Be Interested in Franklin

For the Cowboys, who have struggled defensively, especially in terms of yards allowed and points yielded, adding Franklin would be an immediate upgrade to their linebacker corps. The Cowboys finished the 2025 season ranked 30th in total yards allowed, dead last in points allowed, and at the bottom of the league in passing defense. Their defensive struggles have been a major point of concern, and reinforcements are needed across the unit.

Franklin, who has spent his entire career with the Colts, would provide the kind of versatile, high-level production that the Cowboys need. After beginning his career primarily as a special teams player, Franklin was given the chance to start full-time due to injuries in the Colts’ linebacker room. Since then, Franklin has become a key defensive piece, playing every defensive snap for the Colts in 2022 and 2024, earning second-team All-Pro honors in the latter season.

Over the past four years, Franklin has averaged 161 combined tackles, 8.3 tackles for loss, and 5.8 pass defenses per season. He has also forced 10 fumbles and intercepted two passes since 2022, showcasing his all-around ability. At 29 years old, he will turn 30 in July but has shown no signs of slowing down.

What Would Franklin Cost in a Trade?

One of the reasons why Franklin could be an attractive trade target for the Cowboys is the cost-effectiveness of acquiring him. The Colts are looking to make cap room, and trading Franklin would save them $5.755 million in cap space. His cap hit for 2026 is a little over $8 million, but with no guaranteed money left on his contract, Franklin would be relatively affordable for a team like the Cowboys, who have $39 million in cap space.

Given that the Colts are motivated to get under the salary cap, Franklin’s price in a trade is expected to be manageable. The Cowboys would likely only need to part with a mid-to-late round pick in exchange for the veteran linebacker, making this a potentially low-cost move that could greatly strengthen their defense.

What Franklin Could Bring to the Cowboys

If the Cowboys manage to land Franklin, he would immediately become a vital part of their defense. His ability to play every snap, his tackler mentality, and his experience as a leader would bring a much-needed boost to a linebacker unit that has struggled at times. Paired with the likes of Micah Parsons and Leighton Vander Esch, Franklin would add depth and versatility to the defensive corps.

With the Cowboys looking to compete for a championship, bolstering their defense with a player of Franklin’s caliber would be an important step in improving the team’s chances next season. Franklin’s presence could also provide leadership in the locker room and help to solidify a linebacker group that is integral to the Cowboys’ defensive success.

What’s Next for the Cowboys and Franklin?

As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, it remains to be seen if the Cowboys will make a formal offer for Franklin, but the team’s interest is undeniable. With the Colts working to get under the salary cap, the window for a potential trade could close soon. For the Cowboys, adding Franklin would be an easy way to strengthen a critical part of their defense without having to sacrifice too many valuable assets.

As the trade discussions heat up, the Cowboys will likely continue to evaluate Franklin’s fit and determine whether acquiring him makes sense both financially and in terms of team needs. If they do make the move, Franklin’s arrival could be just what the Cowboys need to get their defense back on track and take another step toward contending for the Super Bowl.