Potential Freeney Replacements

[Andy]

Quick little thing I put together...

 

This is Dwight Freeney' final year of his contract, and reports are saying that he will most likely be leaving the Colts. If that's the case, there must be a guy that replaces him. I break down the possible candidates.

 

Jerry Hughes

Well, Hughes has done little to show the Colts that he should start. So, if they go with Hughes, it's going to be based on potential and a lot of hope will be involved. Hughes has played behind Freeney for the last few years, and has slowly gotten better. Has he proven that he’s a starter? No, but as mentioned, this would be a move that is based on potential. He did have a decent season this year, especially in the running game. When in the game, he showed that he has a good motor and can be useful in the running game. Wouldn’t be the worse choice.

 

Paul Kruger

Chuck Pagano knows this guy the best of the group. Kruger had a breakout season in Baltimore. He had 9 sacks, with 7.5 of them coming in the last 8 games of the season (and 2.5 against the Colts in the playoffs). Kruger can be used in both run and pass rushing situations. He’s a 3 down guy, which is something the Colts could use, considering Freeney isn’t exactly the best 3 down outside linebacker. Kruger is perhaps the best fit of any of these guys, because he has a familiarity with the head coach and some other players, he knows the system well, and he’s a proven player. 

 

Anthony Spencer

Spencer had a breakout year in Dallas, recording 12.5 sacks and proving to be a great compliment to Demarcus Ware. He’s very athletic and strong, which makes him a good fit for the strongside outside linebacker spot. Spencer is still young knows the system well, and wouldn’t be overly expensive, which makes him a good fit in Indianapolis.

 

Connor Barwin

Barwin didn’t have a great season, actually he only had 3 sacks, but he’s still a very good player. He knows how to get to the quarterback; he has a very good arsenal of moves that have worked against some of the best tackles in the game. On top of being a solid pass rusher, he’s also pretty good against the run. He may not be a threat on every play, but he’s a good tackler, so he can be used on early downs. Not a great 3 down player, but he can do it. 

 

Shaun Phillips

Bit of a sleeper pick, but he shouldn't be; Shaun Phillips has a good relationship with Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, and fits in well at the outside linebacker spot. He got 9.5 sacks this last season, which shows he's still very productive. The only downside is that he's 31 years old, and not getting any younger. If the Colts do elect to sign Phillips, they would only get 2, maybe 3 good years out of him. 

[PrincetonTiger]

A Great read

 

IMO

Spencer or Kruger or Ansah

[Fx Stryker]

Anyone better than Hughes. If Hughes is the option just resign Freeney.

 

Good write up Andy.

[BOTT]

None are overly impressive

[will426]

Anthony Spencer would be my first option if not then select kruger

[CR91]

lets see what hughes can do as a full time starter. it wouldnt be fair for him to have to take a back seat again after having to play behind freeney and mathis for three years

[JWF]

Go after Spencer or Kruger (for the right price).

Hughes is a decent backup but I dont trust him being the starter at this point.

[will426]

lets see what hughes can do as a full time starter. it wouldnt be fair for him to have to take a back seat again after having to play behind freeney and mathis for three years

true he did have one less sack than freeney in a shorter amount of time and was better at stopping the run.

[Smonroe]

Nice Andy.  Another option is going for a rush LB in the first round.  This is assuming we address the O line concerns via FA.  It would be cheaper, but not a sure thing (see Hughes) that they'd work out right away.

 

I still think the Colts will offer Freeney what they would pay a rush specialist, 3rd down type of guy.  I know someone will overpay for him, but it may not be that much more than we'll offer.  It may also hurt his ego to go from an all pro starter to a 3rd down guy.

 

I'm hoping he thinks he's made enough money in his career and would like to finish it with the Colts.  But I fully understand, this is a business with a short shelf life.

[TKnight24]

TCU Horned Frog FTW

Go Jerry Hughes!!!!

[BProland85]

We're gonna have to get a 3rd pass rushing OLB anyways since Mathis is getting older. Whether that comes in free agency or the draft is yet to be seen. I wouldnt mind either Spencer or Kruger here for the right price though. The trio of Mathis, Hughes, and Kruger/Spencer would make a good rotation.

[PrincetonTiger]

We're gonna have to get a 3rd pass rushing OLB anyways since Mathis is getting older. Whether that comes in free agency or the draft is yet to be seen. I wouldnt mind either Spencer or Kruger here for the right price though. The trio of Mathis, Hughes, and Kruger/Spencer would make a good rotation.

very true

[nmoore2626]

Also one the colts might consider is antwan barnes he had his best seasons under Manusky hes younger than Phillips also Jimmy Raye should be quite familiar with him.

[Smonroe]

Also one the colts might consider is antwan barnes he had his best seasons under Manusky hes younger than Phillips also Jimmy Raye should be quite familiar with him.

 

Isn't he hurt a lot?

[BOTT]

lets see what hughes can do as a full time starter. it wouldnt be fair for him to have to take a back seat again after having to play behind freeney and mathis for three years

Fair? NFL isn't high school

[nmoore2626]

Isn't he hurt a lot?

Tell you the truth  idk i know this past season he was put on ir.

[CR91]

Fair? NFL isn't high school

 

well how would you feel if you were playing behind two pro bowlers for three years then finally one of them leaves or might leave and then they bring in someone else to fill the spot instead of you

[Gavin]

Is this just about FA potential replacements or replacement through the draft as well

[Jackie Daytona]

well how would you feel if you were playing behind two pro bowlers for three years then finally one of them leaves or might leave and then they bring in someone else to fill the spot instead of you

 

It's not that he doesn't understand how Jerry might feel....... It's that Jerry's feelings, in regards to what the front office feels is the best move for the team's future, do not frankly matter....... at all..... nor should they, he doesn't exactly have a lot of clout.

[Qwiz]

You're not getting Barwin...he's ours

[Qwiz]

well how would you feel if you were playing behind two pro bowlers for three years then finally one of them leaves or might leave and then they bring in someone else to fill the spot instead of you

Like Curtis Painter...

[throwing BBZ]

Hughes was in for about 70 more plays than Freeney.

Hughes 41 tackles Freeney a Laughable 12.

[CR91]

Like Curtis Painter...

 

painter wasnt a first round draft pick

[NewEra]

I actually liked what I saw from Hughes. I think he would do a good job starting. I'd would be worried about depth though. If Mathis could play freeneys roll we could put Hughes in Mathis. Few of the new guys didn't look bad when they played either. I thought the d was hurt more missing Mathis, not freeney

[Carlos Danger]

I've been more of an advocate for the "grab a high upside guy in the draft and let he and Hughes duke it out" approach. I think Jerry has been pretty solid, but it doesn't look like he will ever develop into a Pro Bowl player... no worries, IMO... upgrades to the DLine would have very positive effects on his sack numbers and he is light years better than Freeney against the run. We will have to find a guy to throw in regardless because Mathis is not going to play 16 games next year... I think Kruger will get over-payed, but has the best upside, Spencer might be a good option, Barwin is too one dimensional and looked bad this year, Phillips is not a long term answer but could be a decent stop-gap. We will get somebody, but it might just be a very athletic prospect that I have never heard of, there are a lot of good edge guys in the draft.

[Qwiz]

painter wasnt a first round draft pick

True. Good point.

[braveheartcolt]

lets see what hughes can do as a full time starter. it wouldnt be fair for him to have to take a back seat again after having to play behind freeney and mathis for three years

Let's not. He's had hundreds of snaps, and done very little....

[Gavin]

I've been more of an advocate for the "grab a high upside guy in the draft and let he and Hughes duke it out" approach. I think Jerry has been pretty solid, but it doesn't look like he will ever develop into a Pro Bowl player... no worries, IMO... upgrades to the DLine would have very positive effects on his sack numbers and he is light years better than Freeney against the run. We will have to find a guy to throw in regardless because Mathis is not going to play 16 games next year... I think Kruger will get over-payed, but has the best upside, Spencer might be a good option, Barwin is too one dimensional and looked bad this year, Phillips is not a long term answer but could be a decent stop-gap. We will get somebody, but it might just be a very athletic prospect that I have never heard of, there are a lot of good edge guys in the draft.

Paul Krugers little brother Joe Kruger would be a solid option as well as Brandon Jenkins, Jaime Collins, Travis Long, Chase Thomas, maybe a Dion Jordan but not enough production for me, plenty of options

[sixfive]

If the price is right Spencer all day.  He has more upside, quick feet,tackles, and can cover out of the backfield.  And he was a Boilermaker "Boiler Up"

[UKColt13]

I'd be happy with either Kruger or Spencer. As long as we keep Hughes out of the starting spot....

[II COLD]

Quick little thing I put together...

 

This is Dwight Freeney' final year of his contract, and reports are saying that he will most likely be leaving the Colts. If that's the case, there must be a guy that replaces him. I break down the possible candidates.

 

Jerry Hughes

Well, Hughes has done little to show the Colts that he should start. So, if they go with Hughes, it's going to be based on potential and a lot of hope will be involved. Hughes has played behind Freeney for the last few years, and has slowly gotten better. Has he proven that he’s a starter? No, but as mentioned, this would be a move that is based on potential. He did have a decent season this year, especially in the running game. When in the game, he showed that he has a good motor and can be useful in the running game. Wouldn’t be the worse choice.

 

Paul Kruger

Chuck Pagano knows this guy the best of the group. Kruger had a breakout season in Baltimore. He had 9 sacks, with 7.5 of them coming in the last 8 games of the season (and 2.5 against the Colts in the playoffs). Kruger can be used in both run and pass rushing situations. He’s a 3 down guy, which is something the Colts could use, considering Freeney isn’t exactly the best 3 down outside linebacker. Kruger is perhaps the best fit of any of these guys, because he has a familiarity with the head coach and some other players, he knows the system well, and he’s a proven player. 

 

Anthony Spencer

Spencer had a breakout year in Dallas, recording 12.5 sacks and proving to be a great compliment to Demarcus Ware. He’s very athletic and strong, which makes him a good fit for the strongside outside linebacker spot. Spencer is still young knows the system well, and wouldn’t be overly expensive, which makes him a good fit in Indianapolis.

 

Connor Barwin

Barwin didn’t have a great season, actually he only had 3 sacks, but he’s still a very good player. He knows how to get to the quarterback; he has a very good arsenal of moves that have worked against some of the best tackles in the game. On top of being a solid pass rusher, he’s also pretty good against the run. He may not be a threat on every play, but he’s a good tackler, so he can be used on early downs. Not a great 3 down player, but he can do it. 

 

Shaun Phillips

Bit of a sleeper pick, but he shouldn't be; Shaun Phillips has a good relationship with Colts defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, and fits in well at the outside linebacker spot. He got 9.5 sacks this last season, which shows he's still very productive. The only downside is that he's 31 years old, and not getting any younger. If the Colts do elect to sign Phillips, they would only get 2, maybe 3 good years out of him. 

I understand where you are coming from but id rather spend the money on the lines and draft for everything else. No Hughes wouldn't be the best at the position but he has been somewhat productive in his back-up role. Next year is looking to be a deep defensive year again. Lets get the Lines settled first to create stability up front and piece everything else together.

[Happy2BeHere]

This is FOOTBALL...feelings don't matter

 

Paid to play...if you don't, at least up to our standards...then you're out! LOL.

 

We sure didn't hear Freeney's name called much this past year..I hope he doesn't come back really...I think we need someone who has a little different skill-set than he does and fits the system a bit better. I loved what Freeney has done all those years in the past..he will be missed indeed...but his price paid wont be

[Freenyfan102]

I wanna see hughes does this year i bet he will surprise us

[04DarkShadowGT]

well how would you feel if you were playing behind two pro bowlers for three years then finally one of them leaves or might leave and then they bring in someone else to fill the spot instead of you

Who cares how he feels, who cares where he was drafted.  You compete for your job in the NFL, if someone comes in a takes it from you, too bad.

 

Im sure Matt Flynn didnt feel all that great when Russel Wilson took his job either, but seemed to work out ok for the team.  The Colts need to do what is best for them to win, not worry about if they will hurt a players feelings.

[lollygagger8]

I'm sure Grigson has a long list of replacements, so we don't need to worry about any of this.

[bobourret]

I just don't want to see us spend a lot of money on this spot.  Money needs to go to O-line, SS and CB

[Superman]

I just don't want to see us spend a lot of money on this spot.  Money needs to go to O-line, SS and CB

 

We have enough cap space to do all that and more.

[a06cc]

I have a feeling Dwight will stay here in Indy. I don't think it's over for him on this team just yet. We had some injuries up front all year including him. We need to key that in as a factor. We also haven't had a "true" NT/DT on this team for years. Yeah he is at times a liability against the run when over pursuing. I think if we get a guy up front a team needs to truly worry about then Freeney will have a better year. As for Jerry Hughes he needs to be on the field as well. We need to have Jerry, Robert, and Freeney on the field at the same time.

[Tark The Shark]

I would rather go with a cheaper, better OLB in Hughes than say Kruger or Spencer.

 

He has been in the system and has more experience with Manusky & Pagano.

 

Even if we would resign Freeney, I think Hughes is still better as a 3-4 OLB than Freeney.

 

But Grigson will make the right decision either way.

[CroatianColtsFan21]

I think Freeney won't even get a contract offer from the Colts.. I hope to see Jerry start for a whole season, since this will be the penultimate year of his contract.. if he doesn't play well enough, then there is the option to trade him (probably a low round pick) or even cut him before his last year and a 2 mil $ salary..