Why Dwight Freeney being cut is bad for Chargers

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

The big news came out on Friday that the Indianapolis Colts weren’t going to be bringing back All Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney. Freeney is the Colts career leader in sacks and was once considered the most dominant force on the defensive line of any team in the NFL. Tackles despised going up against him and his wicked spin move. But now for the second straight off-season, the Colts are letting go a franchise player. Last year it was Peyton Manning. Speaking of that, do you think there’s a good chance Mr. Manning would lobby to get Freeney back on his side in Denver? There’s plenty of rumors going around that make this move a very possible one.

That move would be a move that Chargers fans would not like to see. The Chargers have one of the worst offesnive lines in football. San Diego allowed 49.0 sacks last season, losing a total of 311 yards as a result and the pressure forces quarterback Philip Rivers to throw 15 interceptions and to fumble 13 times. With the Chargers offensive line in trouble, facing Dwight Freeney twice a year would be a nightmare to say the least.

Freeney has a career 107.5 sacks, 258 total tackles, 44 forced fumbles, defended 15 passes, and recorded 35 stuffs in his 10-year career. He’s a 7-time Pro Bowler, a 3-time First Team All Pro, a Super Bowl Champion, 2-time AFC Champion, and a former AFC Defensive Player of the Year. His accolades speak to the dangers that he could bring against the Chargers.

Freeney’s numbers have been declining since 2009, though, but that doesn’t mean he can’t have a late resurgance on another defensive line. And with the weak AFC West, Denver just might be the place for him to revitalize his career, preying on the likes of Rivers and whoever starts under center for the Raiders and the Chiefs next season.