According to Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network, not only do the Indianapolis Colts have a tough decision to make with the future of quarterback Peyton Manning, but defensive end Dwight Freeney will be an even bigger problem for owner Jim Irsay.
Freeney’s salary will count for $19 million against the salary cap in 2012 and there’s no way the Colts can restrcuture his contract, since he’s going into the final year of his deal.
The Colts are not going to want to give Freeney an extension at this point, since he’ll be turning 32 year’s old in about a week. They’re also switching to a 3-4 defense which won’t suit him because he’s purely a speed rusher. The Colts essentially be overpaying a player on the back end of his career, that won’t be able to flourish in a defense that he’ll struggle in.
We don’t know at this point if the Colts are willing to trade Freeney, but we do know multiple teams have inquired about working on a deal.
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