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The Cincinnati Bengals will seek a veteran linebacker this offseason in free agency or via trade.
And the Indianapolis Colts might provide.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Colts are attempting to trade Zaire Franklin before NFL free agency opens next week.
It might just interest the Bengals. Franklin turns 30 in July, but was a Pro Bowler in 2024 who led the NFL in tackles and he has a good attendance track record.
Perhaps even better for the Bengals, the Colts are desperately trying to shed cap, so the trade cost wouldn’t be too steep. Franklin also has no guaranteed money left on his deal, which runs through 2027.
The Bengals faceplanted at linebacker last year after moving on from Germaine Pratt. Logan Wilson left via trade. Free-agent signings like Oren Burks couldn’t crack the lineup, badly exposing rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter.
Going forward, the Bengals still want to build around Knight and Carter, but a veteran who can play most downs and reinforce the rotation is a must.
Franklin, at the right price, could help, well before the free agent market even opens.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Colts trade rumors give Bengals an option before NFL free agency
Continue reading...
And the Indianapolis Colts might provide.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Colts are attempting to trade Zaire Franklin before NFL free agency opens next week.
It might just interest the Bengals. Franklin turns 30 in July, but was a Pro Bowler in 2024 who led the NFL in tackles and he has a good attendance track record.
Perhaps even better for the Bengals, the Colts are desperately trying to shed cap, so the trade cost wouldn’t be too steep. Franklin also has no guaranteed money left on his deal, which runs through 2027.
The Bengals faceplanted at linebacker last year after moving on from Germaine Pratt. Logan Wilson left via trade. Free-agent signings like Oren Burks couldn’t crack the lineup, badly exposing rookies Demetrius Knight and Barrett Carter.
Going forward, the Bengals still want to build around Knight and Carter, but a veteran who can play most downs and reinforce the rotation is a must.
Franklin, at the right price, could help, well before the free agent market even opens.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: Colts trade rumors give Bengals an option before NFL free agency
Continue reading...
