Dwight Freeney Never Got an Offer from the Colts and Other AFC South Must-Reads

The inexplicable saga of how the Colts treated Dwight Freeney over the past year took another strange turn.

Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star interviewed Freeney, who says he wishes the Colts had made him an offer.

Freeney told Chappell he was willing to come back for a low offer and finish his career with the team, but they never approached him.

He also acknowledged the team could have released him before the 2012 season, which saw him make $14 million and produce just 5.5 sacks.

Nothing the Colts have done regarding Freeney has made any sense over the past year. On one hand, they've consistently treated him as if they had no interest in retaining his services over the long haul.

They never attempted to reconstruct his previous contract, which could have lowered his cap number by more than $10 million in 2012. They announced they wouldn't be negotiating with him once that deal expired either.

On the other hand, the team failed to trade or release him before the season, guaranteeing they would pay him an outlandish salary that was far beyond reasonable expectations for his production.

The end result is the team spent big money, got little value and now doesn't even have the long-term benefit of Freeney's leadership and abilities. Despite his age, he still has value as a situational pass-rusher.

Given the benefits, not even trying to negotiate with Freeney over the past year has to be counted as a mistake by Ryan Grigson.

General Interest

Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com takes a glance at what Bill Polian says about AFC South free agency needs.

Houston Texans

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle says the Texans are looking for players at the combine.

Tania Ganguli of the Houston Chronicle says the Texans are talking to Connor Barwin.

Indianapolis Colts

Ben Savage of Colts Authority looks at Greg Jennings as a free agent fit.

Tennessee Titans

Tom Gower of Total Titans looks at the team's middle linebackers.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union says the Jaguars are preparing for the combine.