It's proven a tough free agent market for veteran defensive lineman and linebackers, as several either remain unsigned or had to take significant pay cuts to reach new agreements. An example of this has been Indianapolis Colts free agent Dwight Freeney, who has been forced to lower his asking price since the offseason began, according to Jeff Legwold of The Denver Post.
Legwold notes that when free agency opened, Freeney was asking for $8 million for the 2013 season. Since then, the figure dropped to $6 million, but teams such as the Denver Broncos -- who ultimately signed linebacker Shaun Phillips -- were still not interested at the reduced rate.
At this point, Legwold reports that Freeney is seeking a deal similar to the one former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora signed with the Atlanta Falcons -- $8.5 million over two years. Even this is more than the Broncos were hoping to dish out for the veteran.
Freeney struggled converting to linebacker last season as the Colts transitioned to the 3-4 defense. He's certainly not the same sack master of the past, but he still should be a useful defensive end, even if it's only on third downs.
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Legwold notes that when free agency opened, Freeney was asking for $8 million for the 2013 season. Since then, the figure dropped to $6 million, but teams such as the Denver Broncos -- who ultimately signed linebacker Shaun Phillips -- were still not interested at the reduced rate.
At this point, Legwold reports that Freeney is seeking a deal similar to the one former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora signed with the Atlanta Falcons -- $8.5 million over two years. Even this is more than the Broncos were hoping to dish out for the veteran.
Freeney struggled converting to linebacker last season as the Colts transitioned to the 3-4 defense. He's certainly not the same sack master of the past, but he still should be a useful defensive end, even if it's only on third downs.
Follow @TheNFLInjuryRpt
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