After some deliberation, the future Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Dwight Freeney plans to play in the NFL for the upcoming 2017 season.
Being part of a team that blew a 25-point second half lead in the Super Bowl certainly stings. It took some time, but it seems that future Pro Football Hall of Famer in defensive end Dwight Freeney intends to play in the NFL in 2017.
According to Tom Pelissero of USA TODAY Sports, “Dwight Freeney was unsure after Super, but…says he’s decided now: he wants to play a 16th NFL season.” Freeney played his 15th NFL season with the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons.
Dwight Freeney was unsure after Super Bowl, but source says he's decided now: he wants to play a 16th NFL season. Free agent next week.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 27, 2017
Freeney came to Atlanta last season to help bring along the Falcons young pass rusher Vic Beasley. Atlanta used the No. 8 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on Beasley out of Clemson. He largely underwhelmed in first NFL season.
However, Freeney was essentially an on-field coach as Beasley’s mentor. Beasley would go on to be an All-Pro and lead the NFL in sacks in his second season. At 37 years old, Freeney continues to be a pass rushing force. That spin move of his should be trademarked, as it is getting him ever closer to Canton enshrinement.
Freeney signed a one-year deal with the Falcons last season. He will be a free agent on Mar. 9th when his contract expires. It would be in Atlanta’s best interest to bring Freeney back on another one-year deal so that he can help bring along this young Falcons pass rush.
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Since Atlanta did reach Super Bowl 51, it would be hard to convince Freeney that Atlanta isn’t the best landing spot for him this spring. If the Falcons aren’t interested in his services for whatever reason, Freeney did enough to merit a contract for the 2017 NFL season at 38 years old.