July 27, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik talks with the media during training camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking like a different and even more powerful team than they were last season.

Bringing in free agent free safety Dashon Goldson from the San Francisco 49ers and later on trading for possibly the best corner-back in the league, in Darrelle Revis, Mark Dominik, so far, is making the right moves. But what else could they possibly need? They traded running back LeGarrette Blount to the New England Patriots on the last day of the draft, for a 7th round pick and return man Jeff Demps.

You figured with Mark Dominik letting everybody know that he is willing to spend or do whatever it takes to make this team into a winning franchise, he would try to go for one of the two top defensive end free agents on the market. Well according to Mark Cook of PewterReport.com, Mark Dominik and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have absolutely no interest in bringing in Dwight Freeney or John Abraham.

Right now they seem comfortable with letting Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers hold things down on the ends of the defensive line. Two young defensive ends who were drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2011 draft, Clayborn in the 1st round, Bowers in the 2nd. Both players who have what it takes to become corner stones of this young defensive team. We see all the money that Dominik and the Buccaneers threw into this secondary, while picking up 3 defensive line players, along with a corner-back in this years draft.

Both Clayborn and Bowers had 12 sacks between the two last season, where John Abraham had 10 all by himself and Freeney had 5 in Indianapolis. With 3 of their 6 draft picks, they selected both defensive tackle Akeem Spence (University of Illinois) and defensive end William Gholston (Michigan State) in the 4th round, while picking up defensive end Steven Means (Buffalo) in the 5th.

It looks as if Gholston will back up Da’Quan Bowers at the left defensive end position, while Means can compete for the right end, possibly seeing playing time on special teams. Meanwhile, Akeem Spence, will look to help stop the run game, as he needs to work on his pass rush, along side Gerald McCoy, Gary Gibson and Derek Landri who was signed on March 13th by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, previously playing for the Philadelphia Eagles.

So Dwight Freeney and John Abraham are still looking for a new place to rest their heads. John Abraham already telling the Atlanta Falcons that he wasn’t interested in returning after they released him, could have been a perfect fit for this defense, adding a solid pass rusher to their roster. And Dwight Freeney, well, his production is declining, so he was probably going to be overlooked anyway, could have had a come back season, or at least he still can if he gets signed.

Two of the greatest pass rushing defensive ends from this decade, are still waiting for their phones to ring in hopes of employment.  I expect this two players to get calls from teams any time during camp or the regular season. We will just have to wait and see if that actually happens.

Dec 23, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) pressures Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn (9) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Colts won the game 20-13. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts released Dwight Freeney and he is a free agent this offseason. But like Rob Ryan he’s going to be out of work for “like 5 minutes.” It’s an interesting spot to be in, free agency that is, and Dwight Freeney eluded to that during an appearance on 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland.

“I would definitely say very interesting. Exciting just to see the possibilities. And change could be good,” Freeney said, via Sports Radio Interviews. It’s definitely unfamiliar territory for me, and unexpected, but you have to roll with the punches.”

But there were some rumors that old teammate Peyton Manning reached out to him and offered him a home in Denver.

“That was more of a friend text: ‘Sorry to hear what happened to you in Indianapolis. Hey, come play with us. We’d love to have you.’ So one of those. I don’t know exactly what’s going to be happening here. This is a new process for me.”

But it could not come cheap as there are a “bunch of teams” interested in him supposedly. We have our Top 5 Teams for Dwight Freeney here.

“After the combine I’ll be sitting down with my agent, because he has been in conversations with a bunch of teams, and we’ll speak about what my options are and who has high interest, who doesn’t, and go from there.”

He could though have his eyes set on a different team, the one he grew up admiring.

“I grew up a Giants fan. I’m an east-coast guy. So if you grew up a Giants fan and you have an opportunity to go play for your team that you grew up loving, obviously. But you know, it depends on if it works for them.”

Good fan turned bad owner: Dan Snyder.  (Photo by Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

It’s about that time when NFL teams and fans are focusing on free agency so I thought instead of yet another Top 5 Free Agents list or a Top 5 Landing Spots for Free Agent Star list, I would look at this years crop of free agents through the lens of Washington owner Dan Snyder’s googly eyes when he use to throw big money at big-name players before he finally handed the reins to Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen.

We know all about Snyder’s costly missteps from Adam Archuletta and Jeff George to Brandon Lloyd and Albert Haynesworth. His track record is so bad that I actually forgot he signed Deion Sanders to a 7-year $56-million deal in 2000.

So, who would be on his wish list this year if he hadn’t given Shanahan and Allen control so he could focus on scheming new ways to charge more for parking or funding research to invent new ice cubes that would increase his stadium soda profits by another dollar per cup? Well it’s not as simple as just taking the Top 10 most coveted free agents and declaring that to be the list. It’s a little more nuanced. There needs to be that right mix of being just a bit too old and/or overrated, or maybe players who were still in their prime but just demanding too much money.

We’ll be realistic and rule out Ravens free agent QB Joe Flacco not only because he’s no-doubt staying in Baltimore, but also for the fact that he’s just not flashy enough, or old enough, and for the first time in the Snyder era Washington is set at QB.

Adding a tackle to the offensive line is area of need in DC, and there are a couple of stud free agent linemen available (Jake Long or Ryan Clady), but adding one of them might be considered smart, and therefore disqualified as possible Snyder signings. And while Long and Clady are big names with price tags to match (the main criteria for Snyder), offensive linemen don’t put butts in seats or sell jerseys.

Let’s stick to free agent signings and rule out trades for the likes of salty diva CB Darrelle Revis (an otherwise perfect storm of Guy Who Wants Big Money and a team in need of a cornerback) as well as his soon-to-be-former Jets teammate Tim Tebow (who Snyder would probably acquire in hopes of reversing the bad karma of the Redskins offensive nickname).

So, in no particular order, here are the top 10 free agents that Snyder would sign if only Shanahan and Allen would let him:

Ed Reed
Perfect fit: Washington needs a safety, and he’s a future Hall-of-Famer, a Super Bowl champ, and at 34 his best years are behind him. He’s “considered” retiring (a ploy to skip training camp) the last couple of off-seasons and now that he’s got his ring he’s likely looking for one last payday and certainly wouldn’t mind getting “some of that Dan Snyder money” as veteran NFL players like to say.

Reggie Bush
Washington doesn’t have a glaring need at RB with young star Alfred Morris in the house, but Bush is flashy on the field and famous off it. He’s not a great match for this list (he’s only 28 and still played well last season) but this would be a delicious debacle since Bush still sees himself as an every-down back and in Washington he’d only be a change-of-pace guy to spell Morris. Oh, who am I kidding, he would be a classic Snyder signing the minute they overpaid him.

Osi Umenyiora
There’s already some talent along the defensive line in Washington, and it’s one of the deepest positions in the upcoming draft (where players come much younger and cheaper). But Osi Human Urine is a big name on the wrong side of 30 from a division rival. Done and done.

Mike Wallace
Probably too young (26) and talented for our criteria, but a guy looking for a payday + blazing speed + a tendency for drops = Snyder gold.

Wes Welker
He’s 5 years older than Wallace. Perfect.

Brian Urlacher
With Washington LB London Fletcher still contemplating retirement, bringing in this former monster of the midway at age 35 would be right in Snyder’s wheelhouse. Injured; slowing down; another city’s star. Sign him up.

Randy Moss
Hall of Famer, infamous for his poor work ethic, 36 years old, makes highlight reels and lots of money and makes coaches and QB’s miserable. How has he not already played for Washington?

Dwight Freeney
Hot name heading into free agency, already been in the league 10 years, satisfied with a Super Bowl ring, looking for one last payday after his own team released him. Starting to see a pattern here.

Tony Gonzalez
Certainly fits the Snyder profile of old and legendary, but he’s still playing too well and is hungry for a ring. Actually, scratch him and bring in an over-the-hill Charles Woodson for top dollar instead.

Finally, as previously mentioned, Washington doesn’t need a QB or a backup QB… but fans in DC better hope Snyder doesn’t take the wheel back from Shanahan and Allen. He’d probably trade Kirk Cousins and their next first-round pick (2015) for Revis… and if RGIII’s knee doesn’t heal, Snyder has JaMarcus Russell‘s agent on speed dial. (Hey, he was a #1 overall pick!)

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

Today, February 19th is Dwight Freeney’s birthday who happens to turn 33 years old. So I figured, in some way of a birthday present (not like he would see this, would be cool if he did) was make a Top 5 list of teams who could use his talents.

Even though his numbers have gone down the past few seasons, Freeney is still capable of being a dangerous player as long as he remains healthy. Every team could use this man’s help when it comes to rushing the passer. Since his numbers have declined, teams could probably get the veteran for a decent contract that won’t eat away at their salary cap.

Of course knowing what the man has done for his former team Indianapolis Colts, Freeney might want a short contract to test the waters of a new team but for a decent amount of money. Being one of the best defensive players to be drafted by and play for the Colts, Dwight shouldn’t have much trouble finding a new home with a team who looks to improve their pressure on the quarterback.

Teams are cutting veterans left and right, saving cap space to prepare for upcoming free agency market that holds some big names. He seems to fit better in a 4-3 defense of a Tampa 2 scheme, so teams who run that type of defense should have Freeney at the top of their lists. Now let’s take a list at teams who I think will be contacting Mr. Freeney in a few weeks.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Dead last when it came to passing yards allowed with 297.4 per game and 29th in total defense with 379.9 per game. The Bucs and their front office have around $30 million in their pocket and have made it known that they are going to search high and low the list of free agents and bring in who they have to, to boost up their roster. The only weakness on this defense was their pass rush, no pressure at all on the quarterback unless it was after the game when the opposing quarterback went to take a knee, then they showed they were ready to hit them and most of the time did. Strong point was their rushing defense, the best rushing defense in the league only allowing 82 yards per game. So it would be a no brainer that General Manager Mark Dominik give Dwight a call to see if he’s winning to relocate to Tampa.

2. Atlanta Falcons -  Atlanta last season had a high powered offense, but didn’t really have much of a strong defense, which showed in the playoffs. They had comfortable leads going into half time in each of their post season games but came out the 2nd half and let them slip away. John Abraham, one of their key front lineman suffered a left ankle injury late in the season which bothered him when it was time for the post season. Bringing in Freeney could possibly give Atlanta that boost on defense that they need to survive in the post season and win the conference. Atlanta finished 24th in the league with total yards (365.6), 23rd in passing (242.4) and 21st in rushing (123.2), so adding Freeney, if he can stay healthy, could be a good insurance policy for their defense if something happens to Abraham.

3. Cincinnati Bengals - They have plenty of room when it comes to cap space if they want to offer Freeney a big contract to make sure he signs with them. A strong defense all around, could use another veteran presence like Freeney’s. They finished 6th in total defense (319.7), 12th in rushing (107.2) and 7th in pass defense (212.5) and to me could be the front runner for Freeney when the clock strikes midnight on March 12th. A team that is improving all around, dismantled the former Super Bowl champion New York Giants and made them look like a pop-warner team. They currently have $55.1 million available to play with. Good luck to other teams interested.

4. Seattle Seahawks - One of the heavy favorites in the NFC next year (pains me to say that), I think right behind the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (going after Dwight Freeney) will be this team right here. They finished 4th in the league with total yards (306.2), 10th in rushing (103.1) and 6th in passing (203.1) and only seem to be getting better. After losing Chris Clemons (torn acl and meniscus) in the wild card round of the playoffs against the Washington Redskins, the Seattle Seahawks really didn’t have any other options when it came to rushing the quarterback, even though they still won. So it would only make sense to go after Freeney to make sure they have more options if they indeed does happen again. Not saying Dwight wouldn’t start, but they wouldn’t have any worries when it comes to pass rushing if one of their young stars gets pulled due to injury.

5. New England Patriots - How could you not include this dynasty? They have always attracted pro bowl veteran talent to help bulk up their roster and make another run for glory. They have around $18 million they could use to shop for some talent to add to the defense, which wouldn’t surprise me if they got a hold of the subject of this article. They do need help when it comes to pass rushing where they were ranked 29th in the league averaging 271.4 yards per game and 25th total defense with 373.3 passing yards. Always Super Bowl favorites in the league, Freeney is familiar with the way New England runs things so he should probably fit in almost immediately without any adjustments having to be made.

Dec 9 2012, Indianapolis, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) waits to be introduced during player introductions before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

A season after they release their franchise quarterback and future hall of fame player in Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts decided to bring in some new faces, keep a few old and start fresh. I didn’t expect the Colts to be as good as they turned out to be, after being man handled by the Chicago Bears defense in week 1. I myself thought they were getting ready to have another 2-14 season. Putting their franchise in the hands of new starting quarterback Andrew Luck, the Indianapolis Colts turned doubters like myself into believers.

Turning their 2-14 season around, which gave them the #1 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, they went 11-5 and clinched a wild card berth. Time has crawled since they were eliminated in the wild card round by the soon to be Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens and again, they have made another touch decision with one of their key veterans.

The front office of the Indianapolis Colts announced on Friday, that they will not be re-signing the 7x pro bowler and Super Bowl champion Dwight Freeney.

“I was very surprised to hear they wanted to go in a different direction. It would have been nice to retire a Colt…My plan is to hit the free-agent market and see who has interest.” – Freeney said in a text to ESPN’s Ed Werder

Freeney who turns 33 tomorrow February 19th, was set to be a unrestricted free agent. The past 3 years have been some what of a challenge for the 10 year veteran, seeing his sack totals start to decline. He was a 1st round pick out of Syracuse in the 2002 NFL draft, where in his rookie season, set a franchise record 13 sacks. He was named AFC Defensive Rookie of the Month for both November and December and had a tough battle with Julius Peppers for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Dwight Freeney holds the franchise career sack record with 107.5 and is the only Colts defensive player to win a leagues sack title, where he had 16 in the 2004 season. It was definitely weird seeing the team hit the field and not seeing Peyton Manning under center. Guess we are going to have to adjust again, but this time no Dwight Freeney.

Career Totals: 298 tackles, 107.5 sacks, 44 forced fumbles and 1 safety.

The Indianapolis Colts also announced the release of wide-receiver Austin Collie. Collie only played 1 game last season due to a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Within 2 years, he was diagnosed with three concussions. In 3 seasons with the Colts, Collie recorded 1,845 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. Though he has been injured most of his NFL career, he is determined to hit free-agency running and continue playing.

Could guys like Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis (pictured) and Gary Brackett be kicked to the curb in Indianapolis as they retool their defense? (Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE)

It is only a matter of time until the Indianapolis Colts name former Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler their new defensive coordinator. Butler will be going to Indianapolis on Tuesday to review a contract and likely sign on the dotted line.

Butler has served as the Steelers linebackers coach since 2003, where “Blitzburgh” uses an aggressive 3-4 scheme. What could this mean for the Colts defense and their star defenders on the roster?

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