Report: Dwight Freeney to Visit Patriots, But As Many As Eight Other Teams Interested in Free Agent

by NESN Staff on Fri, Mar 15, 2013 at 8:51AM

The Patriots lost one free agent to Peyton Manning and the Broncos. But they may have a chance at getting another key player before Denver does — this time on the defensive side.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney, who has been considered a good fit for the Patriots since being cut by the Colts this offseason, is reportedly headed to New England to get a look from the team, Tom E. Curran of Comcast Sports Net reports.

In addition to John Abraham and Adrian Wilson, the Patriots will be hosting Dwight Freeney on a free agent visit. #PatriotsTalk
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Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) March 15, 2013

Freeney could get attention from as many as eight NFL teams, Mike Freeman of CBSSports.com reports, although the Patriots are the first to dip their toe in the water.

Dwight Freeney has drawn interest from at least eight teams. Said one GM: "Everyone is waiting for another team to make first move."
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mike freeman (@realfreemancbs) March 12, 2013

One of the teams that has appeared interested in Freeney is the Broncos, where former teammate Manning is now under center. Manning, who had a pivotal role in Denver pursuing Wes Welker, probably won’t be shy about pushing for Freeney, too, if the Broncos want to make a play.

The Patriots haven’t had an elite pass rusher in some time, and although Freeney, 33, is likely past his prime, having him on the defensive front with youngster Chandler Jones would still give the Patriots a considerable boost on defense.