Roddy White is now taking up a second job as a recruiter for the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons' wide receiver is making a pitch to the team to get veteran defensive player Dwight Freeney in a Falcons' uniform next season and they seem to be listening. Atlanta is in need of a little help on defense with aging veterans on the line and the team is reportedly showing interest in both Freeney and Osi Umenyiora, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
The Falcons are looking for a pass rusher that could bring some experience with the position. However the reason they are in the market for a new defensive star is because their current unit is getting too old. Current defensive end John Abraham is 34-years old and recorded 10 sacks last season. Freeney is 33 and had only five sacks in his 11th season with the Colts. He recorded only 13 the past two seasons.
This makes Atlanta's interest in the veteran feel odd. If they are looking for youth, Freeney is not the answer. He is coming off his worst season of his career, resulting in being released from Indianapolis. He battled through injuries during much of the year and was moved to outside linebacker after struggling. He is the all-time sacks leader for the Colts, but might only be a one-season answer for Atlanta.
Umenyiora also does not offer much youth for Atlanta at 31-years old. His contract allowed him to become a free agent this season. The New York Giants decided not to place a franchise tag on him, so he can test the market. He recorded 52 sacks from 2005-2010, becoming a star in New York. However, injuries sidelined him in 2011, allowing him only to play nine games. He played all 16 games in 2012, but only started in four. He recorded only six sacks, his lowest since 2006.
Atlanta's interest in the two aging veterans could be due to the limited amount of linebackers in this year's free agent market. If Atlanta wants a player with experience, they will have to settle on free agency to answer their demand instead of looking towards the draft. The team is not looking to sign someone to a long-term contract incase they are unable to perform at an older age. Freeney and Umenyiora could be the only answer at an affordable price.
