There has been rumors the Indianapolis Colts were considering trading defensive anchor Dwight Freeney. How ludicrous is that?
I know there were initial concerns about Freeney being willing and able to adapt to the team’s new 3-4 defense but the seven-time Pro Bowler has embraced the scheme and considering that even at age 32 he’s still a force. Trading him wouldn’t make any sense.
Freeney told Alex Marvez of Fox Sports on Sirius XM radio that he’s not worried.
“For me, it’s just getting familiar with all those nuances,” he said. “My line of sight, walking around (pre-snap), dropping into coverage – I’m doing those things.”
If Freeney is already doing the work and isn’t worried about the transition, neither should Colts fans. Has he given us any reason to worry before?
Besides, Andrew Luck needs a veteran on the defensive side of the ball who is as talented and as intelligent and as familiar as Freeney. He’s one of the Colts’ longest-tenured players and his success in his role speaks for itself. Except for 2007 when he played in only nine games, Freeney has been virtually injury free. He’s amassed more than 100 sacks (and is the Colts all-time sack leader) and 43 forced fumbles in his 10-year career.
With that being said, talent, heart or dedication isn’t a reason to trade Freeney. The only plausible motive behind letting him go would be the $14 million he’s owed next season. However, with Peyton Manning’s massive paycheck now the responsibility of the Denver Bronco’s and Luck signing a reasonable $22 million deal, is $14 million a deal breaker? Keeping Freeney next season would allow the Colts a pretty good chance to re-sign him in the off season at a much lower cost. And in return, you get a guy who has always done the right thing, said the right thing and played the right way. You get a guy who when Luck needs one last opportunity at the end of the game, can get that stop.
Arguing whether the Colts should keep Freeney or trade him is honestly a huge waste of time. We’re talking about one of the NFL’s top all-time pass rushers who is still a play maker. What is there to argue? Money? Give me a break and another topic to argue.
Ericka Sanders can be reached at erickas@indianapolisrecorder.com.
