Dwight Freeney to Cardinals: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Dwight Freeney isn't quite the dynamic pass-rusher he was in his prime, but the Arizona Cardinals still feel they can get a spark from the seven-time Pro Bowler.

ESPN.com's Chris Mortensen reported Monday that Arizona will sign Freeney after he passed a physical earlier in the day. Rand Getlin of NFL Network reported Freeney's deal is for one year and also provided details on his role:

ESPN.com's Adam Schefter noted the terms of the deal, while his colleague Ed Werder provided the bonuses built into the contract:

After Freeney signed, Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians said the team had looked at bringing in the veteran during the offseason, per Arizona Sports.

Injuries and a lack of production plagued Freeney during his two-season stint with the San Diego Chargers. After playing in just four games in 2013, he participated in all 16 contests last year, yet he managed just 3.5 sacks.

As Getlin noted, however, Freeney provided more pressure than his pedestrian sack total suggests.

The Cardinals have a stellar secondary featuring the likes of Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson. They've also been playing with huge leads, per ESPN Stats & Info:

"

Cardinals have won 3 games by 25+ points this season, after winning 6 such games in the last 27 seasons since moving to Arizona

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 11, 2015"

Freeney will be reunited with Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher, who coached him in Indianapolis, per Mike Jurecki of Fox Sports 910.

Arizona has scored 100 more points than its opponents in its five games, forcing adversaries into obvious passing situations. Should that trend continue, Freeney's role only figures to expand as the season wears on.

Freeney may not be in peak football shape just yet, but the Cardinals have time to integrate him into their defensive scheme. Limiting his snaps could help him acclimate to the situation, as could the fact that Freeney didn't have to grind through training camp this year.

Currently tied for 23rd in the league with eight sacks, the Cardinals could use a spark. They're missing former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and his knack for manufacturing quarterback pressure, but now the team has a player in Freeney who's made a living in the NFL doing that on his own.