With the announcement that Dwight Freeney won't be re-signed by the Indianapolis Colts, the veteran defensive end will be heading into free agency for the first time. With just 12 tackles and five sacks last season, Freeney may have a difficult time finding work with agreeable pay.
For Freeney, playing in a 4-3 defense is essential. He didn't fit in the Colts' new system well, and it showed on the field. Freeney will be best suited for a team that needs pass rushing help.
The difficult pill for Freeney to swallow will be the idea that he'll be forced to take an incentive laden contract to continue making big money. Freeney is about to turn 33 years old, and the market for aging defensive ends is already tiny. Once you factor in his dismal stats from a year ago, you have a guy that won't be guaranteed much money moving forward.
Still, Freeney has a reputable name around the league. He's wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks for over a decade in the NFL, and someone will be willing to take a small risk with Freeney. At his age, it's unclear whether his motives will be to win another championship or rake in as much money as possible before his retirement. If his motivation is of the former, he'll likely take a cheap contract to join a team like the Falcons that could use a third down rusher. If, on the other hand, money is his driving factor, his landing spot is anyone's guess.
