Zaire Franklin: PFF Grade | Madden 26 Rating | Injury | Packers | Age

Zaire Franklin has built a reputation as one of the most productive tackling linebackers in the NFL. Known for his leadership, durability, and ability to rack up tackles, Franklin has been a key defensive presence since entering the league in 2018. Over the years, he has gone from a late-round draft pick to a Pro Bowl-caliber defender.

Recently, Franklin made headlines again after being traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the Green Bay Packers. The move has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about his performance metrics, including his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade, Madden NFL 26 rating, and overall impact on the field.

This article explores Franklin’s PFF grades, Madden 26 ratings, injury history, Packers trade details, age, and career highlights, providing a comprehensive look at the veteran linebacker.

Who Is Zaire Franklin?

Zaire Franklin is an American professional football linebacker who currently plays in the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts after a strong college career at Syracuse Orange football.

Despite being a late draft pick, Franklin quickly developed into a dependable defender. His relentless motor, tackling ability, and leadership skills allowed him to climb the depth chart and eventually become a starting linebacker.

Basic Profile

• Full Name: Zaire Franklin

• Position: Linebacker (Mike)

• College: Syracuse

• NFL Draft: 2018, Round 7

• Height: 6’0″

• Weight: 235 lbs

• Age: 29 (turns 30 in July 2026)

Over his NFL career, Franklin has accumulated hundreds of tackles, sacks, and forced fumbles, making him one of the more productive linebackers in recent seasons.

Zaire Franklin PFF Grade Explained

One of the most discussed aspects of Franklin’s performance is his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade. PFF evaluates players based on film analysis of every snap, assigning grades that reflect a player’s overall impact.

2025 PFF Grade

Franklin’s 2025 PFF grade was approximately 38.4, ranking him near the bottom among NFL linebackers.

This ranking placed him 87th out of 88 linebackers, which surprised many fans given his reputation as a high-volume tackler.

Why His PFF Grade Was Low

Several factors contributed to the lower grade:

1. Coverage struggles against tight ends and running backs

2. Missed tackles in open space

3. Defensive scheme limitations within the Colts system

4. Increased responsibilities as the defensive leader

However, PFF grades do not always reflect the full impact of a player. Franklin still produced strong counting stats despite the grade.

Zaire Franklin Stats and Production

Even with a lower analytical grade, Franklin remained productive statistically.

2025 Season Stats

• 125 tackles

• 2 sacks

• 6 quarterback hits

• 17 games started

He has recorded at least 125 tackles in five straight seasons, showing consistency and durability.

Breakout Season in 2024

Franklin’s best season came in 2024 when he:

• Led the entire NFL with 174 tackles

• Earned Pro Bowl honors

• Received Second-Team All-Pro recognition

That season cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most productive linebackers.

Zaire Franklin Madden 26 Rating

Another popular metric for fans is the rating given to players in the video game Madden NFL 26.

Overall Rating

Franklin has an overall rating of around 79–80 in Madden 26.

While this rating places him among solid starting linebackers, it does not rank him among the elite defenders in the game.

Key Madden 26 Attributes

Some of Franklin’s top attributes include:

• Stamina: 95

• Pursuit: around 90

• Tackle: about 86–88

• Play Recognition: mid-80s

• Hit Power: about 82

These attributes reflect his real-life strengths: endurance, pursuit of the ball carrier, and tackling ability.

Rating History

The steady rise in ratings shows how Franklin developed from a role player into a starting linebacker.

Zaire Franklin Trade to the Packers

In March 2026, Franklin became part of a major offseason move.

Trade Details

The Indianapolis Colts traded Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden.

The deal was largely influenced by salary cap considerations for the Colts and the Packers’ need for a veteran linebacker.

Contract Situation

Franklin has two years remaining on a contract worth $31.26 million, with cap hits scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

This contract gives the Packers a proven defender without committing to a long-term deal.

Why the Packers Wanted Franklin

The Packers needed an experienced linebacker to stabilize their defense. Franklin brings:

• Leadership and experience

• Elite tackling production

• Versatility in run defense

• Durability

He is expected to compete for the starting Mike linebacker position in Green Bay’s defense.

Zaire Franklin Injury History

Durability is one of Franklin’s biggest strengths.

Since entering the NFL in 2018, he has missed very few games. Reports indicate he has missed only one eligible game in his career, which is remarkable for a linebacker.

Injury Rating in Madden

His durability is also reflected in Madden, where he has an injury rating above 90.

This shows that both real-life statistics and game simulations view Franklin as a reliable player who can stay on the field.

Zaire Franklin’s Role With the Packers

The Packers are expected to use Franklin as a central defensive leader.

Potential Role

Franklin may serve as:

• Mike linebacker calling defensive plays

• Run-stopping specialist

• Veteran leader in the locker room

His tackling ability makes him ideal for stopping running plays and short-yardage situations.

Defensive Scheme Fit

Green Bay may utilize a 3-4 defensive scheme, which places heavy responsibility on inside linebackers like Franklin to control the middle of the field.

If he performs well, he could become a key part of the Packers’ defensive identity.

Leadership and Locker Room Impact

Beyond statistics, Franklin is respected for his leadership.

During his time with the Colts, he served as a team captain and was widely regarded as a vocal leader on defense.

Teammates and coaches often praise his:

• Work ethic

• Football intelligence

• Communication on the field

• Commitment to preparation

These qualities make him valuable for a team trying to rebuild or reshape its defense.

Career Achievements

Throughout his NFL career, Franklin has achieved several milestones.

Major Highlights

• Pro Bowl selection (2024)

• Second-Team All-Pro (2024)

• NFL tackle leader (2024)

• 700+ career tackles

These accomplishments demonstrate his ability to perform at a high level despite entering the league as a late-round draft pick.

Future Outlook

Franklin’s move to the Packers could be a turning point in his career.

At 29 years old, he still has several productive seasons ahead.

If he adapts well to Green Bay’s defensive scheme, he could:

• Revitalize his PFF grades

• Increase his impact in pass coverage

• Continue producing high tackle numbers

For the Packers, he provides a dependable veteran presence while the team develops younger defensive talent.

Conclusion

Zaire Franklin’s career is a classic example of perseverance and development in the NFL. From a seventh-round draft pick to a Pro Bowl linebacker, he has proven that effort and consistency can overcome early doubts.

While his PFF grade in 2025 was lower than expected, his real-world production and leadership remain valuable. His Madden 26 rating around 79–80 reflects his status as a solid starting linebacker rather than an elite superstar.

The recent trade to the Green Bay Packers gives Franklin a new opportunity to prove himself and potentially revive his advanced analytics metrics.

With his durability, tackling ability, and leadership qualities, Franklin will likely continue to be a significant defensive presence in the NFL for years to come.

FAQs

What is Zaire Franklin’s PFF grade?

Zaire Franklin’s PFF grade for the 2025 season was around 38.4, ranking near the bottom among linebackers that year.

What is Zaire Franklin’s Madden 26 rating?

In Madden NFL 26, Franklin has an overall rating of about 79–80, with strong attributes in stamina, pursuit, and tackling.

How old is Zaire Franklin?

Zaire Franklin is 29 years old and will turn 30 in July 2026.

Did Zaire Franklin join the Packers?

Yes. In 2026, the Indianapolis Colts traded Franklin to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden.

Has Zaire Franklin had major injuries?

Franklin has been extremely durable throughout his career and has missed very few games since entering the NFL.