The Indianapolis Colts embark on their offseason preparations after finishing the 2024 regular season at 8-9 following a Week 18 victory over the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts already got to work on changes, departing from three-year defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, marking a new age of defensive coaching in the Circle City.
However, one of the bigger talking points (outside of Bradley) for Indy’s defense was the actions during the season of team captain, Pro Bowler, and NFL league leader in tackling Zaire Franklin.
Franklin had arguably his best season as a Colts linebacker, tallying 173 tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, five fumbles forced, six passes defended, and two interceptions. While Pro Football Focus indicates Franklin whiffed on 22 tackles, overall, Franklin improved and began forcing turnovers and making plays in opposing backfields.
Franklin’s status on the team isn’t changing, but his attitude can use some work for the 2025 season. After finishing with another lackluster record, Franklin will need to implement a fire in the offseason to continue improvements, as well as momentum gained, from his first-ever Pro Bowl performance.
