NFL Trade Rumors: Denver Broncos hosting Dwight Freeney, John Abraham
By Drew Brown
The Broncos have made a splash in free agency this offseason, and they could cap off a great offseason with one more pickup. After adding on Wes Welker, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Stewart Bradley, and Terrance Knighton, the Broncos are still interested in adding another defensive player. They have the money to do it, as those four players came on pretty small contracts, especially when it comes to only having to pay Welker twelve million over two seasons.
November 8, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) rushes during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Indianapolis Colts defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After Elvis Dumervil’s contract glitch happened, the Broncos decided to host visits to two veteran defensive ends. Dwight Freeney, who I have written about a good bit on this website, is one of them. The other one is former New York Jet and Atlanta Falcon, John Abraham.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the Broncos have offered Dumervil a deal, but if they are unable to meet terms with him, they will look into signing Freeney or Abraham.
Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson (26) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) and outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the second quarter of the NFC divisional playoff game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Both players are getting towards the end of their careers, but they can both help out this defense. Freeney may not be looking for too much, because it probably has hit him he isn’t the type of player he was years ago, and doesn’t deserve the kind of money he made in Indianapolis. Abraham will come at a cheaper cost, as the 34 year old is probably only looking for one more contract before calling it a career.
Freeney is the better choice here, but obviously pay comes into it. Both are defensive ends, and the two could be listed among the best defensive ends of the past decade. I still like Abraham a lot, but I’d go with Freeney over him. With the recent cut of Dumervil, Denver has the money to pull off signing one of these guys, and time will tell who they are going to bring in.