Dwight Freeney Status With Colts Organization Is Confirmed
Latest news confirms Dwight Freeney status with Colts organization is over after 11 years. A team source confirmed on Thursday that both Dwight Freeney and Austin Collie won’t be re-signed. The defensive end was a force with the Colts since joining the team in 2002, but has fallen off in production in recent years. Recording only 5 sacks and 10 tackles in the 2012 NFL season, it was Freeney’s second worst performance ever.
It’s not terribly surprising Indianapolis announced that Dwight Freeney’s status with Colts was over. The 2013 NFL Draft class is stocked with defensive talent, and the Colts did well in 2012 on offense. This gives them room to focus on adding youth to that side of the ball. Still, Freeney will be missed, and not easily replaced. His leadership will be the most difficult to replace.
The team announced Friday that it would not attempt to re-sign Dwight Freeney, whose contract expired after the 2012 season.
“Few people have meant as much to the success of the Indianapolis Colts as Dwight Freeney,” owner Jim Irsay said in a statement….More at Colts announce Dwight Freeney won’t be re-signed – USA TODAY
A career totaling 107.5 sacks and 258 solo tackles won’t be substituted for easily. His leadership will be the most difficult thing to replace on the young team. Just because the Dwight Freeney status with Colts and fans is over in Indianapolis, don’t think the DE will be out of work long. There will be offers in free agency for a class act like Freeney, who has plenty left to offer.
Free Agency for Freeney may prove profitable, though he did want to retire a Colt. Possible landing places are the Jets, Chiefs, Eagles, or possibly the Patriots. Fans in Indianapolis have dealt with the loss of franchise players recently, but replaced them better than any other NFL team.
Now that the Dwight Freeney status with Colts story is over, where do you think the defensive end will land?
Indianapolis Colts Football | Dwight Freeney – As the Colts have welcomed new faces to their defense in the past few weeks, one staple will be back in the fold next season.
Chris
NFL News Desk Staff Reporter
