NFL Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Trade for Colts DE Dwight Freeney

Peyton Manning may be joined by another veteran Pro Bowler on his way out of Indianapolis this offseason.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Colts are "fielding telephone calls from teams interested in trading for perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Dwight Freeney."

A trade makes sense on multiple level for the Colts, as the franchise is clearly in rebuilding mode and Freeney does not appear interested in playing in Chuck Pagano's new 3-4 defense.

The seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro selection also carries a $14.035 million base salary in 2012, the last year in a six-year deal he signed back in 2007. If kept on the roster next season, Freeney and Robert Mathis, who signed a four-year, $36 million contract on Monday, would take up over $30 million on the Colts' cap in 2012.

Freeney's cap number will make it difficult to find a suitor, but here's five teams that may take a look at trading for the difference-making defensive end:  

Chicago Bears

The Bears want to find a capable complement to Julius Peppers at defensive end. New GM Phil Emery may not want to tie up that much money in two defensive ends, but adding Freeney would give the Bears the league's top pass-rushing duo. In the pass-happy NFC North, it might be worth it. 

Seattle Seahawks

GM John Schneider needs to find another pass-rusher to put opposite Chris Clemons. Seattle was rumored to be interested in Robert Mathis before he re-signed with the Colts, so there may be a connected interest with an available Freeney in the trade market. The Seahawks' young, emerging defense could be top-8 good in 2012 with Freeney on board.

Buffalo Bills

Few teams in the NFL need more pass-rush than the Bills, making this an immediate fit. A switch back to the 4-3 defense fits also how Freeney wants to play. Trading for Freeney and drafting another pass-rusher in the first round could transform the Bills defense for 2012.

Tennessee Titans/Jacksonville Jaguars

I put the two together because they both need a 4-3 defensive end but are unlikely to get the Colts to bite on a trade to a division rival. Long-shots. 

New England Patriots (Wild-Card Team)

The Colts are far from Super Bowl contenders, so they may be willing to trade with a former AFC rival. If the Patriots are interested in free-agent defensive end Mario Williams and strike out, Freeney seems like a fine consolation prize.