CaptainHook Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Unlike Lance Briggs, Asante Samuel and Cory Redding, Dwight Freeney doesn't mind being a franchise player. Though franchise players often hold out of minicamps and training camp until they get the security of the long-term contract, Freeney plans to attend the Colts weekend minicamp because he wants to be with his franchise. Contract talks between the Colts and Freeney continue without any signs of a long-term deal, but that isn't going to change Freeney's plans. Freeney will be at the team's minicamp this weekend. "I want to make another run at the Super Bowl," Freeney said. "I want to be at the minicamp and talk to the young guys and be with my teammates. I will be there." Freeney isn't complicating his position with emotions. The Colts put the exclusive franchise tag on him, meaning he had no ability to negotiate with any team in free agency. Under new franchise rules, he has until July 15 to get a long-term deal without the Colts losing the future ability to franchise players. "I know I'm not going anywhere," Freeney said. "I'm not in a position where I can even talk to any other team. I feel it's very important to show I'm still a big part of this team." As an exclusive franchise player, Freeney can accept a $9.43 million salary for one year or accept a long-term deal. If the team wants to franchise him next year, his salary would go up 20 percent, meaning he's going to make over $20 million over the next two seasons. Briggs isn't expected to show up at the Bears mincamp and may hold out of training camp. Samuel and Redding might do the same thing. What Freeney finds ironic is that the Colts are known for their offense, but he's the franchise player. "That's the funny thing because this team is known for it's offense with Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison and Edgerrin James," Freeney said. "It's an offensive team so it's funny for them to lock up a defensive player. But I love this organization." from ESPN.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wolf Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 The guy is getting $9.5 million to play this year, so yeah, he is getting paid very well. Having said that, he could have pulled a Briggs and refused to play. That he did not should be applauded. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeeR Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 It's nice to know but "should be applauded?" Please. He's making more money than he deserves playing on the defending SB champs and decided not to hold out, wow what a guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wolf Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 It's nice to know but "should be applauded?" Please. He's making more money than he deserves playing on the defending SB champs and decided not to hold out, wow what a guy I get that BeeR, believe you me. Like I wrote, that he did not pull a Briggs is the good part. Showing up for $9.5 million is nothing in and of itself to applaud a guy over, but given that he could have pulled the Briggs and did not is where I applauded. Prolly not worthy of applause, but that's me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Pimp Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 He's going to mini camp but I heard he wasn't participating in drills. Yes it's more than what some other franchise tagged players are doing but it's not like he's risking his future by going out onto the field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Swerski Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Polian has said multiple times that he plans on getting a long-term deal done with Freeney. So, I'm not worried about him leaving at all. It may be Polian waiting to see what they're going to do with Simon. Freeney and his agent may also be putting off negotiations for a year, as Freeney had a statistically-weak season last year due to injuries and that has probably lowered his value somewhat. If he has a typical Freeney season this year, he'll have more leverage next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainHook Posted May 21, 2007 Author Share Posted May 21, 2007 Actually, Freeney hasn't signed his one-year tender yet, so technically, he's not under contract at all . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.