Dwight Freeney enjoyed a pleasant two days in San Diego, but left without a deal.
Which probably means the Chargers weren’t prepared to pay him “Osi money.”
According to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego, Freeney wrapped up a two-day stay with the Chargers Thursday, noting “those familiar with it describe it as having gone well.”
There’s plenty of familiarity there, between General Manager Tom Telesco (formerly of the Colts) and defensive coordinator John Pagano (brother of Colts coach Chuck Pagano).
And there’s clearly a need, as outside linebacker Melvin Ingram went down this week with a torn left ACL.
From Freeney’s perspective, that was the only reason to fly to San Diego immediately, to see if they were ready to panic in the wake of the injury to a young player and give the 33-year-old pass-rusher the kind of deal he wants.
And if they’re not, at least not now, there’s no reason to be in a hurry and take less. When another team has an injury closer to the season, they’ll feel the urgency as the Chargers did this week, and might dig into the couch cushions for a little bit extra.