The Dallas Cowboys are set to lose several linebackers in free agency, and the timing couldn't be better amid the NFL's rising salary cap. Not only does that position Dallas to spend more, but it means that other teams will be doling out big money, too. Unfortunately, with every big contract, there's another contract that's cut to make room for it.
Fortunately for Dallas, if the Indianapolis Colts' various offensive investments cause the front office to cut bait with someone on the defensive end, that could be linebacker and signal-caller Zaire Franklin.
Per NFL.com's Matt Okada, "One somewhat surprising cut candidate could be linebacker Franklin. While he’s been a full-time starter and tackling machine for Indy for the last several seasons, including a Pro Bowl bid in 2024, Franklin’s production dropped off quite a bit in 2025. His overall PFF grade of 38.4 was the worst among 67 linebackers with at least 500 snaps, and he turns 30 years old in July. The Colts can move on for $5.8 million in cap savings and should strongly consider doing so unless they foresee a big bounce-back year for the veteran linebacker."
The Indy Star's Nathan Brown also worries about Franklin becoming a cap casualty in a few weeks when NFL free agency opens, despite being a team captain and leading the Colts' defense in tackles for four years running.
If he does, Jerry Jones' eyes should light up, especially considering who he just hired to run the defense.
Christian Parker Can Fortify Zaire Franklin's Lone Weakness
While you know Franklin is going to be flying sideline to sideline tracking down the ball-carrier, you don't know that he'll be able to provide decent enough coverage not to get burnt covering the opposing team's tight end on any given Sunday. There's a reason Indianapolis is considering getting rid of someone so impactful in the middle, despite his reputation as a relentless cyborg.
Newly hired defensive coordinator Christian Parker is a noted developer of talent, so he could be the difference-making coach Franklin has always needed in his career to shore up what is considered his one glaring weakness.
Franklin, meanwhile, can be a dramatic talent upgrade over Jack Sanborn, Kenneth Murray, and Shemar James, who also struggle in pass coverage, but also don't offer the upside in stopping the run. Sanborn and Murray are free agents not likely to return, while James is entering his second year and may not be trusted enough to serve in a starting role just yet. Not for a Cowboys team that has designs on competing, anyway.
Parker is banking on DeMarvion Overshown to be a difference-maker in the middle, but he is shifting to a 3-4 base on defense, meaning there's room for another stud to make noise.
Franklin only knows how to relentlessly take down defenders, making him a great candidate to be that stud.