The San Francisco 49ers had to dig awfully deep at linebacker last season. While they began the year feeling pretty good about having Fred Warner and Dee Winters together, they were probably not expecting to rely on Eric Kendricks and Garret Wallow in a playoff game.
Needless to say, San Francisco could use some more depth at the position, which is why it may be good news that the Indianapolis Colts are reportedly shopping linebacker Zaire Franklin.
ESPN's Adam Schefter shared the following about Franklin on social media:
"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, per sources. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024."
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, per sources. Franklin led the NFL in tackles in 2024. pic.twitter.com/6t0BJzwkYc
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026
Franklin would be an ideal player to pair with Warner. He made the Pro Bowl in 2024 as he led the league with 173 tackles, had two interceptions, forced five fumbles, and had 3.5 sacks while starting in all 17 games.
2025 wasn't quite as strong as Franklin had 123 tackles and two sacks in 17 starts, but he would still represent something of an upgrade over Winters who was solid but uneven at times last year in his first season as a starter.
Franklin is going to be 30 years old next season, so he is not young by any stretch. But he's experienced and has proven he can have big seasons in the past, so maybe the Niners would be willing to work with the Colts to try to work out a deal.
There is also a chance the Colts will just release Franklin to avoid the roughly $8.2 million cap hit they would incur next season. The 49ers might be smart to wait until Indianapolis releases the vetera so they do not have to part with a player or draft pick in order to get him.
No matter what, the Niners have to figure out what to do at linebacker. They may decide to run it back with Warner and Winters, but with Nick Martin's rough rookie campaign and the spotty play the defense got from the guys who had to fill in, depth has to be a concern.
Bringing back Kendricks may be a smart move. He has a ton of experience and looked pretty good last season, considering he was scooped up off the street around Thanksgiving. A reunion with Wallow could also be in the cards.
No matter what, though, the Niners should keep an eye on Franklin, and if he could be had for relatively cheap in a trade, they should jump at that chance or maybe just wait until he gets cut.