Linebacker Dwight Freeney still has not signed a contract with a team for 2016
The Arizona Cardinals are still interested they say. Dwight Freeney is still interested according to his own words a few days ago. So why wait?
Are the Cardinals counting on what happened last season? Wait until October then bring Freeney back into the fold? After all, he signed in October last season and still lead the Cardinals in sacks with eight, including a game-winning sack on December 10th against the Minnesota Vikings.
If he truly decides he wants to play in 2016 and by all accounts, including his own, he will. I doubt he lasts until October again before finding a taker. The Cardinals have picked up Chandler Jones in a trade and Robert Nkemdiche in the draft however they both play on defensive line. Freeney could play behind them as a linebacker and provide that second front.
Freeney the other day in an interview indicated he felt he could probably play a couple more years. The Cardinals may not be willing to go two years but why not take a chance for one more season? He was never a liability. Yes, he is getting up in age but can still produce, even in a backup role.
Freeney has made on thing clear though. He wants to play for a winner. At this stage in his career you can’t blame him for that.
Here's Dwight Freeney's @SportsCenter interview that everyone is talking about: https://t.co/XFVsJvCdkS
— Josh Weinfuss (@joshweinfuss) May 12, 2016
Are the Cardinals really interested though or just telling the public what they want to hear? My best guess is they really are. The next couple of weeks of OTA’s could be telling in whether one of the recent roster additions will pan out or be able to compete enough to carry over to training camp.
Freeney will find a home somewhere. It may not happen as quickly as he would like or fans would like but he will be playing somewhere this upcoming season. He certainly would continue to provide quality depth on the Cardinals roster.