The Patriots could use his veteran leadership at a linebacker position that is missing team captain Ja’Whaun Bentley, who suffered a season-ending pectoral injury in September. Franklin would offer stability to a Patriots defense that has not been consistent all year.

Zaire Franklin cracked a smile. The Indianapolis Colts linebacker knew at some point he would have to formally address his back-and-forth with Pat McAfee, the former Colts punter turned media star. Franklin took exception to how McAfee criticized his teammate,

I’ve got a lot of respect for Pat. ... I think maybe I probably didn’t handle it the right way going into it.'

Pat McAfee's relationship with the Colts organization and the city of Indianapolis is usually problem-free, but one current Colts player took issue with the former punter in a rant on his own podcast.

Former Colts punter Pat McAfee has been critical of his former team this season and Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin fired back on his podcast