Indianapolis Colts linebacker and defensive captain Zaire Franklin signed a three-year contract extension with the team just before the start of free agency.
Franklin is the only player thus far to sign an extension this offseason with a full year remaining on his deal. The Colts tacked on the three-year contract to his existing deal, meaning the contract runs through the 2027 season.
The three-year deal is worth $31.26 million, including $17.62 million guaranteed, and ranks eighth among linebacker contracts. Here’s how the deal breaks down after the 2024 season, according to Over The Cap:
Three years, $31.26 million
$5 million signing bonus
2025
– $5.74 million base salary (guaranteed)
– $30,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $7.5 million (2.3%)2026
– $6.24 million base salary
– $45,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $8.255 million (2.9%)2027
– $8.24 million base salary
– $45,000 per game roster bonus
– Cap Hit: $10.255 million (3.3%)
Franklin doesn’t have any guaranteed money on the contract after the 2025 season, which is when he’ll be entering his age-30 campaign.
The Colts can save $5.755 million in cap space while incurring a $2.5 million dead cap hit if he’s released or traded during the 2026 offseason. They would save $9 million in cap space and incur $1.25 million in dead cap if he’s released or traded during the 2027 offseason.
Franklin has earned a new contract after being one of the most productive linebackers in the NFL over the last two seasons. He’s a team captain every season, and he gets a nice chunk of change upfront.
