The value of a defensive lineman is growing by the day in the free agent market. Many teams are in need of an athletic player with pass rushing abilities. Multiple veteran lineman have been released in recent weeks making the free agent market pretty crowded in that position. Dwight Freeney, John Abraham and Seymour are all looking for landing spots. Despite Freeney gaining the most interest, a few teams have emerged interested in signing ex-Oakland Raider Seymour.
Both Atlanta and Denver are the two teams in search of a pass rusher during free agency. Whatever team does not sign Freeney will likely sign Seymour. Since Atlanta released Abraham, they are the likely team to get one of the two. Seymour has been one of the best at his position for over a decade in the NFL and both Denver and Atlanta are pursuing him as the better value.
Seymour brings in a large amount of veteran experience; however he is starting to get worn out with age. Having been in the league since 2001, Seymour has a lot of games under his belt, yet he has proven to still be an effective player in rencent years. Last season, he only played eight games for the Raiders, but made three sacks and 12 total tackles. In 2011, he played 16 games, registering six sacks and 23 total tackles. In 12 seasons, he has amassed 57.5 sacks, including a career-high eight in 2003 and 2008. Seymour would come at a cheap price and could help push a team to the Super Bowl.
Atlanta has been on the lookout for a pass rusher since they released Abraham. They desperately need help attacking the quarterback. Abraham has 10 of the team's 29 sacks last season and was released due to salary cap issues. Atlanta runs a 4-3 scheme that would benefit Seymour the most, allowing him some versatility.
Denver has been attempting to sign Freeney, especially after Peyton Manning voiced his support for his former teammate, but if that is not possible then the team will likely try for Seymour. He would be forced to play a 3-4 defensive scheme, which is what he played during his time with the New England Patriots. The Broncos would like to add another situational pass rusher and Seymour would be able to step in right away.
The fight between Freeney and Seymour is down to both Atlanta and Denver. Both players offer the same services and would likely come at the same price. As aging veterans, both teams could sign them for low-risk contracts and hope they are the missing link to being Super Bowl contenders.
