It has been almost three months since Dwight Freeney was released from the Indianapolis Colts. The aging veteran cannot seem to find a new home in the free agent market. Interest has been slim in the one-time defensive standout. After being forced to lower his salary demands, the market is finally heating up. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports Freeney is scheduled to start visiting teams this week with four or five possible options. One of those options is a possible return to the Indianapolis Colts.
When Freeney began free agency, he was asking $8 million per year in salary. No takers. He then dropped his demands to $6 million per year. Still, no takers. At 33, teams were aware of Freeney's decreasing production on the football field and were unwilling to invest a large amount of money in the defensive end. Then, Osi Umenyiora signed a two-year contract with $8.5 million. Freeney was then forced to lower his demands once again and now teams are officially starting to call.
While a return to the Colts seems highly unlikely, the team is receiving pressure after many of their opponents are looking at Freeney. The Tennessee Titans are in the midst of deciding between Freeney and Abraham. Freeney is the younger of the two which could work in his favor as many teams are look at Abraham as the main obstacle standing in his way. Abraham wants more guaranteed playing time, making contract talks between he and the Titans stall out.
The Detroit Lions are the other main suitor for Freeney. They have been vocal about their admiration of the defensive end and the feeling is mutual according to Freeney. However, the team just signed draft pick Ezekiel Ansah, making a Freeney deal seem unlikely.
The New England Patriots might be the only other true option. The team was very high on Abraham and even offered him a contract. Abraham ended up turning down their offer sheet, giving Freeney the chance to step in. The team has remained tight lipped since getting turned down by one veteran.
At this point, Freeney is just hoping to be on a team come the 2013 season. There is a strong possibility that if he is unwilling to compromise with teams, he will likely remain unsigned.
