Despite having better players at the defensive end positions, there’s a chance the Denver Broncos might actually go for Dwight Freeney this off-season, especially if some players don’t reduce on their contract demands heading into 2013.
Elvis Dumervile is due to be paid $12 million in 2013, which is almost a million over the franchise tag tender value at the position. The Broncos are trying to make Dumervil take a pay cut for next season, and if he won’t oblige, there’s a chance they might release the 29 year old who recorded 11 sacks last season and 17 in 2010, leading the NFL.
Since being released by the Indianapolis Colts, quite a few teams have been looking into the option of signing Dwight Freeney, with Peyton Manning being rumored to be courting the 11-year veteran, who played with him (sort of) for the Indianapolis Colts, winning a Super Bowl together. Freeney isn’t as good as he once was, there’s no doubt about that, but his numbers took a hit last season because of the defense the Colts used, which doesn’t suit his talents and position perfectly. In Denver, it should be easier for him to produce more than 5 sacks like he did last season.
While Freeney wouldn’t be an improvement, he’s still a defensive end that commands attention in the game-planning area and could be effective with Von Miller attracting plenty of attention (18.5 sacks last season) as the premier pass rushing threat. Freeney might not upgrade the sacking situation for the Broncos, but he’s not that much of a downgrade from Dumervil, and is certainly coming a lot cheaper than Elvis, with a few more pro bowls and All-Pro selections coming with him.