ESPN.com is reporting that the Colts have franchised defensive end Dwight Freeney, guarantying him $8.64 million for 2007. Obviously, the champs weren’t going to let Freeney escape March 2nd when free agency kicks off. The Colts will try to sign him to a long-term deal, effectively reducing the ’07 cap hit they’re expected to take.
Another soon to be free agent DE is Atlanta’s Patrick Kerney. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday that Kerney will void the remainder of his contract, which was expected at the conclusion of the ’07 season. Kerney would like to remain a Falcon and Atlanta wants him back, but it’s not that simple. The Falcons are cap-strapped and don’t want to shell out major bucks to retain an aging DE with declining stats. Atlanta could franchise him, but that would be a major blow to any future offseason moves it plans to make, including signing draft picks. Another hiccup is the Denver Broncos, or more specifically, Bill Johnson. Johnson is the former defensive line coach for the Falcons, who recently signed with Denver for the same posistion. Johnson and Kerney forged a great relationship while in Atlanta, so if the Falcons can’t meet Kerney’s needs, expect the Broncos to make a heavy push for the former Pro Bowler.
