Trading Freeney?

[RCAChainGang]

http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth/pos...dwight-freeney

A few Colts fans have talked about this. I was just curious what teams you guys think he would fit. Do the Colts get any bids or does he play out his last year?

[mightytitan9]

Probably play out his last year unless he restructures and the Colts are wiling to take a mid to late round pick or player.

I think he'd really fit any 4-3 defense, some better than others of course.

[RaiderNation]

I'd love to see him in Oakland, too bad we don't have the draft picks to send. Want Jacoby Ford?

[falloutboy14]

I think the Colts aren't interested in restructuring. So he'd have to sign a new contract. Bears would be interesting putting him opposite Peppers. They're sort of in win-now mode before their defense collectively retires.

Aren't the Dolphins switching to a 4-3? maybe Atlanta?

Best guess at the compensation is a 3rd rounder.

[Matthew Jones]

Atlanta seems like a logical fit considering John Abraham is a free agent and Ray Edwards hasn't played up to expectations so far. They're a contender so they should be interested in adding a quality pass rusher, although Mario Williams is another possibility.

[Matthew Jones]

Other teams that could be interested:

Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Seattle

The Lions probably don't have enough money without Freeney agreeing to a major pay cut and Chicago may only be interested if they miss out on top free agents such as Vincent Jackson, Ben Grubbs, Carl Nicks, etc. Buffalo should definitely be looking for a pass rusher and may opt to pay Freeney's massive contract; they have the cash and may not be able to lure a free agent. Seattle would be interesting.

[LonghornsLegend]

Originally Posted by Matthew Jones

Atlanta seems like a logical fit considering John Abraham is a free agent and Ray Edwards hasn't played up to expectations so far. They're a contender so they should be interested in adding a quality pass rusher, although Mario Williams is another possibility.

And the don't have their 1st round pick, so I think they would definately be players. But they have to give up another pick to get him, while Mario could be had in Free Agency. I don't expect Freeney to go for an early round pick or anything but he plays a very important position on a defense and instantly improves a pass rush albeit short term, I think he'll have a market for him.

[Complex]

He is going to cut no one is going to trade for him isn't he owed like 19 mil?

[Matthew Jones]

Originally Posted by Complex

He is going to cut no one is going to trade for him isn't he owed like 19 mil?

$14 million, although top pass rushers generally get paid $12 million and there's always the possibility of a pay cut. A contender with deep pockets may be willing to rent him for a year even at $14 million. The Bills are projected to be at least $30 million under the cap, the Bengals have about $60 million free, the Bears have $25 million or so, Atlanta is around $20-25m, and the Seahawks have about $30m to play with. Buffalo and Seattle could try and load up for a playoff run, and Cincinnati/Atlanta are already playoff teams who could be interested in rush help. Chicago is on the fringe although they may not want to commit so much to both Freeney and Peppers (as orgasmic as that combination would be.)

It might be a better idea for a top team such as the Falcons to wait and see if he gets cut (or how free agency goes), but the Bills should be interested in finding a pass rusher and may not feel confident in their ability to persuade one to join the team via free agency. It would be worth giving up a draft pick in order to ensure you're going to get production out of your pass rush especially if you're not sold on the draft or confident in the market.

[dan77733]

I dont understand the Colts at all. Releasing all their top guys but yet, re-signing Mathis who's 31 to a contract that favors him more than the team.

*is puzzled*

[Matthew Jones]

Originally Posted by dan77733

I dont understand the Colts at all. Releasing all their top guys but yet, re-signing Mathis who's 31 to a contract that favors him more than the team.

*is puzzled*

Agreed, these moves make the Mathis deal look very questionable. The Colts' offseason is a little bit schizophrenic when contrasting the Mathis re-signing with the rest of their decisions.

[Complex]

Originally Posted by Matthew Jones

$14 million, although top pass rushers generally get paid $12 million and there's always the possibility of a pay cut.

I also forgot to add that he doesn't want to play standing up so either the colts have to cut him or trade. I think most teams will wait for him to get cut but U guess your right someone could trade for him.

[Matthew Jones]

Originally Posted by Complex

I also forgot to add that he doesn't want to play standing up so either the colts have to cut him or trade. I think most teams will wait for him to get cut but U guess your right someone could trade for him.

It really just depends on how confident teams are that they will be able to sign him. If there's a lot of trade interest, he may not make it to free agency. If he gets cut, teams have to compete with other teams to attract him. He may also demand a contract of $12 million or so per year in free agency which is what John Abraham is going for. In that case, what would a team be willing to give up to ensure that they get him?

[SuperPacker]

That now makes my 4th offseason wish.

1. Bengals get Mike Wallace and trade up for Trent Richardson
2. Colts draft Luck then trade back and get Fleener and Owusu
3. Ravens sign Peyton Manning
4. Bills trade for Freeney and draft Quinton Coples

All these scenarios would be awesome!

[49erNation85]

Duck bengals getting Wallace . He comes to SF.

[falloutboy14]

Don't the Patriots use a 4-3 part of the time? That might be a possibility too.

[Razor]

Originally Posted by falloutboy14

Don't the Patriots use a 4-3 part of the time? That might be a possibility too.

I seriously doubt that BB would shell out the kind of money that Freeney wants to someone that old and on the decline.

[NorrinRadd12]

Patriots make alot of sense. It fills a need and Belichick seems to be making a habit of going after big names at the end of their career.

I suspect the Giants are quietly shopping Umenyiora also which would water down the trade market for Freeney a little bit.

[Matthew Jones]

Definitely don't see the Patriots going after Freeney. Someone like Andre Carter would be much cheaper, and Freeney costs a draft pick. Additionally, Belichick really values run defense.

[zachsaints52]

Guys, he is coming to New Orleans on a vet minimum deal once he gets cut. Then, after he takes out a QB or two, he will be back to his normal money.

[GoRavens]

I wonder how Freeney would do in a 3-4 scheme.
I've never seen him attempt to cover anybody

[Matthew Jones]

Originally Posted by GoRavens

I wonder how Freeney would do in a 3-4 scheme.
I've never seen him attempt to cover anybody

One of the reasons the Colts are getting rid of him appears to be his unwillingness to play in a 3-4.

[PACKmanN]

For a guy who has been relying on his quickness for the most part, I wouldn't except him to last much longer in this league. Everything he is great in is because of his quickness.

[WCH]

Originally Posted by Matthew Jones

Other teams that could be interested:

Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit, Seattle

Wouldn't it make a lot more sense to just resign Avril? Or were you thinking in addition to Avril and Vanden Bosch?

[killxswitch]

Originally Posted by PACKmanN

For a guy who has been relying on his quickness for the most part, I wouldn't except him to last much longer in this league. Everything he is great in is because of his quickness.

His quickness is a huge part of his game but he has a very effective bull rush too. He is just a very good pass rusher, even at his age.