Dwight Freeney and Peyton Manning have a long history together. Both spent a number of years at the Indionapolis Colts before Manning eventually signed on with the Denver Broncos. They attended two Super Bowls together, winning one. Now that Freeney has been released from the Colts, the two could be having a reunion in Denver sooner rather than later. While Manning is voicing his support for his old teammate, the Broncos seem to be listening. Pro Football Talk reports that Denver is interested in signing the defensive end.
Manning has been trying to recruit Freeney to the Broncos since his release from the Colts. He believes the Broncos defensive scheme will better suit Freeney than anywhere else. He would be able to go back to a 4-3 defense and play defensive end instead of the 3-4 scheme where he was playing outside linebacker.
Freeney saw his production drop in 2012 because of the 3-4 defense. The transition did not work in his favor. He produced his worst year of production, only recording 12 tackles and five sacks in 14 games. The five sacks were the second-lowest of his career. The Broncos are expected to cut Elvis Dumervil at the start of free agency because of his large salaray and will be in need of a pass rusher to place next to Von Miller. Freeney would certainly fit that mold.
If the Broncos are heavily interested in Freeney, they will have to act fast. Multiple teams are said the best interested in the veteran. The Atlanta Falcons recently released John Abraham to free agency and will be in need of a pass rusher as well. Wide receiver Roddy White has voiced his vote of support to Freeney coming to Atlanta, which seems like the best place for Freeney to shine. The Falcons need a pass rusher in any form so he would not have to worry about trying to fit any certain scheme.
It is unlikely a team will offer big money to Freeney. After 10 years in the league, he will not garner a long-term deal with any team. Denver seems like the likely landing spot. Manning has pull with the team and with him in Freeney's corner, it can only mean good things.
