In sports news, linebacker Zaire Franklin has inked a three-year contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The Colts, evidently keen to secure Franklin’s skillset, have locked him in until the end of the 2027 season.
The financial terms of the deal are yet to be released, but Franklin will enjoy a significant increase on the $3.4 million due to him in 2024.
Before free agency, an extension: The #Colts are signing LB Zaire Franklin to a 3-year, $31.26M extension, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
“Before free agency, an extension: The #Colts are signing LB Zaire Franklin to a 3-year, $31.26M extension, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln,” reported Rapoport on X.
Securing Franklin before the opening of the free agency window underscores the Colts’ commitment to their star player.
The new contract won’t have a significant impact on the Colts’ approaching free agency strategy, with ample funds available under the cap to continue attracting top talent.
Even with Franklin’s contract extension, the Colts find themselves approximately $45 million under the salary cap, giving them ample room to make further strategic moves.
Upon Franklin’s initial signing in 2022, he secured a three-year, $10 million contract and was due to hit free agency after the 2024 season.
Franklin has proven to be worth every penny, having completed 167 and 179 tackles during the first two years of his current contract.
His performance has placed him second in the NFL, trailing only free agent Bobby Wagner. The Colts are loyally investing in this linebacker’s promising trajectory.
With the contact period opening on Monday, the stage is set for more events to unravel in the No.1 league in American sports.
The Colts still need to make decisions around key defenders Moore and Stewart. There seems to be a high probability we may see these players re-sign while still fortifying the team with new additions.
