Dwight Freeney: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on LB's NFL Future

After spending the last two years in San Diego, linebacker Dwight Freeney is back on the market and set to enter his 14th NFL season. Even though he's not the same edge-rusher from his days in Indianapolis, the 35-year-old is still capable of getting after the quarterback.     

Continue for updates. 

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Chargers Won't Pursue New Contract with Freeney

Wednesday, March 11

Eric Williams of ESPN reported San Diego GM Tom Telesco said he will not be pursuing a new contract with Freeney.

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Freeney to Put Off Retirement, Play 14th NFL Season

Monday, March 2  

Freeney spoke to Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego and revealed he will play his 14th NFL season in 2015. He offered the following comments about hit outlook:

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I could retire tomorrow and still be happy with what I've done in this league. But I think I have a lot in the tank as well. It's one of those things where I'm going to wait for the right situation to come across the table. Hopefully it's with the Chargers. If they are not interested, obviously, you have to (test) the free agent market and see what team is interested. 

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Freeney's role has decreased as age and injuries have caught up to him. He only started four games two years ago, but he bounced back in 2014 with nine starts, appearing in all 16 games. 

Despite being on the field for every game last season, Freeney's future has been up in the air since the Chargers' season ended. He told Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com after Week 17 that he wouldn't be rushing into any decisions.

"I’m never big on making choices or big-time decisions after losses or wins because you’re too emotional," he said. "You want to kind of take that emotion out of it, sit down and think about what you really want to do with the rest of your life and your career, and really figure out what that next step is. I’ve got to give it time."

Teams are always searching for help on the defensive line, so Freeney could find an appealing offer this offseason that prevents him from walking away. 

Even though the numbers aren't what they were in his prime, Freeney did flash some signs of greatness early in 2014, per Michael Burland of Pro Football Focus:

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Through the first quarter of the season, Freeney sits atop our Pass Rushing Productivity list for 3-4 outside linebackers with 22 total pressures (sacks, hits, hurries). In fact Freeney’s 22 total pressures is second in the league for all defensive positions behind only J.J. Watt (32), whom many believe to be the best defensive player in the league.

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The veteran had a sack in the regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs, which moved him into sole possession of 20th place on the all-time list ahead of a former teammate, per Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego:

Freeney shouldn't have limitations during this process as far as which teams may look at him. The former All-Pro can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme, though the latter might be preferable because that's what he's been in for the last three years, and it puts less pressure on him coming off the edge. 

Saying a player adds depth to a roster is usually a nice way of saying he's limited, which is true in Freeney's case; however, his unique ability to play and thrive in pass-rushing situations makes him a solid under-the-radar free-agent investment.