Packers' Zaire Franklin discusses pairing with Edgerrin Cooper at linebacker
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 3, 2026, 2:13 PM
Last updated Jun 3, 2026
Veteran linebacker Zaire Franklin expressed confidence in his fit with Edgerrin Cooper on the Green Bay Packers' defense. Franklin, who joined the team from Indianapolis, praised Cooper's size and speed, noting how their playing styles complement each other well. He emphasized his role in calling the defense and organizing the front at the pre-snap while allowing Cooper to utilize his athleticism. Both players are expected to be starters in the Packers' 3-4 defense under coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
- •Franklin believes his playstyle fits well with Cooper's speed.
- •Franklin joined the Packers via trade this offseason.
- •Both players are expected to start in a 3-4 defense.
- •Cooper has 205 total tackles in two seasons.
- •Franklin is a 2024 All-Pro with four consecutive seasons of at least 100 tackles.
- 7:06 PMYahoo Sports — Packers’ Zaire Franklin already fired up to be playing next to Edgerrin Cooper
- 2:13 PMYahoo Sports — Packers' Zaire Franklin sees perfect fit at LB with Edgerrin Cooper
"When the Packers traded for Zaire Franklin, one of the veteran linebacker’s first thoughts was his excitement over playing alongside Edgerrin Cooper. Cooper, who received All-Pro votes as a rookie, is already making a strong impression on Franklin during their first practices together at Packers OTAs. “I didn’t realize he was that big,” Franklin told [...]
"Can veteran LB Zaire Franklin bring out the best in Edgerrin Cooper? "I just feel like our games are truly married perfectly," Franklin said.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 4, 2026, 7:06 PMPackers’ Zaire Franklin already fired up to be playing next to Edgerrin Cooper
When the Packers traded for Zaire Franklin, one of the veteran linebacker’s first thoughts was his excitement over playing alongside Edgerrin Cooper. Cooper, who received All-Pro votes as a rookie, is already making a strong impression on Franklin during their first practices together at Packers OTAs. “I didn’t realize he was that big,” Franklin told [...]
- Yahoo SportsJun 3, 2026, 2:13 PMPackers' Zaire Franklin sees perfect fit at LB with Edgerrin Cooper
Can veteran LB Zaire Franklin bring out the best in Edgerrin Cooper? "I just feel like our games are truly married perfectly," Franklin said.
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