Broncos Have to Consider That Dwight Freeney is Asking For More than Umenyiora

Dwight Freeney (93) stretches before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

I suppose in the NFL if you don’t ask, then you’ll never receive. However, free agent Dwight Freeney may just be asking for too much based off how little he produced last season.

According NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Freeney is looking for a contract worth more than Osi Umenyiora’s $8.5 million over the next two seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. Freeney is seeking a contract around $6 million for next season. Umenyiora had 46 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 16 games with the New York Giants last season. Freeney had 12 tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 14 games with the Indianapolis Colts.

In defense of Freeney’s low production last season, the Colts moved him to outside linebacker. If he were to sign with the Denver Broncos, he would move back to his original defensive end position. He also suffered an ankle sprain last year, which forced him to miss two games.

It’s no wonder the Broncos don’t want to pay him $6 million next season. He has trouble setting the edge and stopping the run.

Freeney’s best hope for getting the kind of money he’s asking for is if one team has a slew of injuries hit them at his position. Then again, he could wait too long, and allow teams to spend their money elsewhere.

Freeney has also shown an interest in the Detroit Lions and the Miami Dolphins. It could be a long time before we see Freeney in different colors though. It may even take as long as after or the draft or even into training camp.

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