Dwight Freeney: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation on Free-Agent DE

Mike ChiariMay 12, 2016

Veteran pass-rusher Dwight Freeney remains a free agent, but the 36-year-old is still interested in playing in 2016.

Continue for updates.

Freeney Comments on Free Agency

Thursday, June 2

Freeney spoke to SiriusXM NFL Radio, saying he didn't expect to land with a team at this point of the offseason despite visiting with the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals:

Falcons Pass on Signing Freeney

Wednesday, June 1

Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn told reporters the team would not be signing Freeney but added that he's "not ruled out for down the road." Earlier, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Freeney would visit the team on Wednesday.

Freeney told ESPN's Jim Trotter on May 25 that he would meet with the Falcons, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Freeney Linked to Bengals

Wednesday, May 25

Schefter, citing a source, reported that Freeney will visit the Cincinnati Bengals and undergo a physical on Wednesday.

ESPN's Coley Harvey, citing a league source, first reported on Tuesday that Freeney was scheduled to work out for the Bengals.

"If he were to sign with the Bengals, Freeney would have to adapt to their 4-3 base defense. It means he likely would only play in specific sub-packages," Harvey added.

Freeney Enjoyed Bounce-Back Campaign With Cardinals

Thursday, May 12

Although Freeney appeared in just 11 games for the Cards in 2015 after signing during the season, he led the team with eight sacks.

The 2015 season was a bounce-back campaign for Freeney, as he registered just four total sacks in two previous years with the San Diego Chargers.

That came after an 11-year stint with the Indianapolis Colts that saw him rack up 107.5 sacks.

Freeney is 19th on the career sacks list with 119.5, and although he isn't as quick or explosive as he once was, he may be the best option available to the Cards.

Arizona's top pass-rushers at outside linebacker are Pro Bowler Chandler Jones as well as Markus Golden, who had four sacks last season as a rookie.

Freeney is a pass-rush specialist at this point in his career and isn't much help against the run, but Arizona has plenty of size along the defensive line to handle that.

He seems to be a perfect fit for what the Cards need, but pass-rushers are generally in high demand due to the emphasis on the passing game in the NFL. So even if Arizona ultimately isn't interested, Freeney should be able to land a job somewhere.

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