Defensive end Dwight Freeney has spent his entire 11-year NFL career as a member of the Indianapolis Colts and he doesn’t want that to change.
But Freeney understands that he may not have a choice as he heads toward free agency next month.
Freeney was asked to move to outside linebacker as the Colts transitioned to a 3-4 defense in 2012. He struggled to find the same success in his new role posting just five sacks on the season. It was the lowest sack total of his career when appearing in at least 10 games in a season.
“It would be great to finish off my career as an Indianapolis Colt,” Freeney said, via Austin Knoblauch of NFL.com. “I’ve been there my whole career, and I don’t know anything different. ... Ideally, it would be great to stay there. But it is a business, so we’ll see.
“Right now, I’m just thinking about Indianapolis until they tell me otherwise.”
The Colts have parted ways with several veterans responsible for their prolonged success over the last decade and Freeney may be the next in line. Peyton Manning, Dallas Clark, Jeff Saturday and Joseph Addai have all moved on as the Colts turned over their front office. At 32 years old and coming off a down season, the Colts could elect not to re-sign Freeney.
Either way, Freeney likely won’t make nearly as much money next season. Freeney made over $14 million in base salary last season. Whether it’s with the Colts or elsewhere, his next contract will likely be significantly less.