Report: Colts Re-Sign Key Captain, Contributor

Retaining the services of special teams captain Zaire Franklin was a high priority for the Colts and General Manager Chris Ballard. The franchise checked that box Tuesday.

A key special teams contributor and rotational linebacker is staying in Indianapolis long-term. 

Zaire Franklin, a two-year special teams captain for the Indianapolis Colts, agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal on the eve of free agency Tuesday, according to a report from Pro Football Focus's Doug Kyed. 

The #Colts are re-signing LB Zaire Franklin on a three-year, $12 million contract with $4 million guaranteed, per source.

Franklin is a special-teams ace and ascending defensive player at 25 years old.

— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) March 15, 2022

Indy Star Colts insider Joel A. Erickson also reported the deal, adding that Franklin gets $4 million guaranteed.

Along with his key role on special teams under special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, Franklin worked his way into the mix at middle linebacker defensively in 2021 for the Colts, grading out at a 71.3 overall in 201 total snaps. 

© Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC

A former seventh-round pick at No. 235 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Syracuse, Franklin is just another key example of the Colts' scouting staff hitting on a late-round pick that has developed into not only a key contributor, but a key leader under head coach Frank Reich. 

Still just 25 years old, Franklin is on an upward projection overall with the Colts, who value his special teams contributions above all, especially after his blocked punt against the Jaguars in 2021.

BLOCKED PUNT SCOOP ‘N SCORE!

Zaire Franklin blocked the punt and E.J. Speed ran it in for the Colts touchdown.

🎥 @NFL pic.twitter.com/W4z5dAeZIq

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 14, 2021

Have thoughts on the Colts' re-signing of veteran inside linebacker Zaire Franklin? Drop a line in the comments section below. 

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