Versatility. A key word that new Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon has emphasized through his NFL coaching career. Specifically in his lone Super Bowl trip in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Being able to play different coverages, different fronts, all depending on who the matchup was against led to an NFL top defense that season.

With the NFL Free Agency signing period officially beginning next Wednesday, March 11th, the Packers have made the first step toward shaping their new era of defense, trading for Linebacker Zaire Franklin.

Gannon and Franklin were previously together with the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2020, where Gannon served as the defensive backs/cornerbacks coach. It is safe to say the first move of the Packers off-season in terms of acquiring talent, and it being a player at one time on the same team as Gannon, is no coincidence. 

Franklin is a downhill enforcer, high-IQ, high-motor linebacker who relies on swiftly identifying plays, forcefully filling run lanes, and acting as the defense's communication center. He is regarded as one of the NFL's most dependable second-level defenders due to his exceptional tackling volume, aggressiveness, and leadership. 

Comparing Franklin to the now more than likely departing Quay Walker could simply come down to instincts, and discipline. Although he has plenty, Franklin's game favors play recognition and anticipation over athleticism. Quay Walker's game came in splashes, which saw great highs, and also very lows. You could make the argument of the two player's career, Franklin sees it faster, while Walker may get there faster.

Franklin takes over as the new mike linebacker, a veteran who knows how to lead. A player who dawned the captain badge for 6 years, this move also shows Green Bay's willingness to bring in veterans. With Walker departing, the defense needed a new presence guiding it.

To introduce his plan to Green Bay, Jonathon Gannon will look to utilize players who are proficient in the system and who can help explain the plays and language to the other players both on the practice field and in the meeting rooms.

Perhaps one player who caught Gannon’s eye coming into the league, catches it again now in their first year in Green Bay. The Packers defensive identity truly could change in a move like a trade for Franklin.

With Micah Parsons, Devonte Wyatt, and Lukas Van Ness up front, and Edgerrin Cooper alongside Zaire Franklin in the middle represents a hungry bunch with a tenacious motor that really could make Green Bay a nightmare to match up against. Franklin's ability to cover will only help Gannon be able to mix up how the defense operates week by week.

Offseason moves are unpredictable in how they pan out, look no further than comparing Green Bay’s 2024 offseason signings of Xavier Mckinney and Josh Jacobs up against their 2025 class of Nate Hobbs, and Aaron Banks.

Having prior experience working with players beforehand certainly helps that uncertainty. Jonathon Gannon could look to announce his presence to Green Bay in resorting to those that already know what it takes.