Trading Colby Wooden for Zaire Franklin helped plug one roster hole ahead of free agency, but made a pre-existing roster problem even more pressing.
Adding Franklin makes sense, even coming off a down year. He was worse than Quay Walker last year, but in 2024 had a better season than any Walker has produced. Franklin could also cost half of what Walker will when he hits the open market.
The Packers probably gauged what it would cost to keep Walker and made this corresponding move, looking for a cheaper solution. More than just solving the linebacker position though, the trade may say something about what Green Bay is ready to do at defensive tackle.