Free agent defensive end Dwight Freeney isn’t exactly ready to hang up his cleats at the age of 36.
After a somewhat successful season with the Arizona Cardinals, Freeney appears to be one-and-done in Arizona. Responsible for eight sacks (a team-high) and nine combined tackles, Freeney is hopeful an NFL team in need will reach out.
Appearing on ESPN’s SportsCenter (h/t azcardinals.com), Freeney is open to playing practically anywhere including resuming his gig with the Cardinals.
“But if it doesn’t work out here, it could be anywhere. “It just depends. It has to be a winning team. I’m used to winning.”
There it is, the exception. Freeney doesn’t want to be part of a losing team, even though he doesn’t exactly come out and say it. After 14 long seasons in the NFL, the former first-round Indianapolis Colts pick wishes to end his career on a high-note.
Logical minds would surmise that Freeney hopes teams like the Cleveland Browns or Tennessee Titans aren’t the only teams to contact him. Furthermore, Freeney’s former NFC West bottom-feeding rival San Francisco 49ers might not be an appealing option either.
#IfICouldStartACharity it would provide free paper bag hats for underprivileged Browns fans. pic.twitter.com/IdHwzxgkqQ
— Michelle Milliken (@MichelleyM) May 3, 2016
Freeney would likely prefer teams like the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots or Green Bay Packers to come calling.
Freeney plans to keep in shape by training and remaining focused. Ideally, he expressed he would prefer to join a team during training camp rather than sign part way into the season. Freeney appeared in 11 games for Arizona after the team took a gamble on him mid-season.
Throughout his career Freeney has achieved All-Pro status three times and has participated in seven Pro-Bowls. And, we must not forget that Freeney has one Super Bowl Championship ring from 2006.
That is at least a pretty list of accomplishments if indeed Freeney has played his final snap.