Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; San Diego Chargers general manager Tom Telesco speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The holdup with the possibilities of adding Dwight Freeney to the San Diego roster is the same holdup that has been holding him up from signing anywhere so far. It comes down to money. Freeney is still looking to get paid like he is a Pro Bowl player and doesn’t want to lower the price yet. He doesn’t want to look at himself as an aging veteran that is declining in skills.
Don’t get me wrong, Freeney is a better pass rusher than anyone else we have on our roster, but we can’t ruin our purse trying to fill another hole. The signing of Thomas Keiser yesterday gives us more pass rushers on the roster, but he is just some random dude. Honestly, I had no idea who the guy was before we picked him up yesterday. He will likely make the roster though.
If we break the bank to get Freeney, then what are we going to do at left tackle? What are we going to do if someone else goes down with an injury at a position that we are lacking depth at also? The injuries are going to come and the depth around the roster is poor. Just look at our secondary at the corner position. With Marcus Gilchrist sliding over to safety, who is the next man up if Shareece Wright or Derek Cox go down?
We are going to have to duct tape and super glue this season together in order to fight for a playoff spot. All the pieces are not going to be in place. Some people will need to step up in order to make this thing successfull. If Freeney wants to get PAID, then we will have to trust that Larry English or someone else on the roster will step up and do work.
I won’t say that I expect Larry to be a stud…. but the potential is there. We have tried to put trust in him before and was left disappointed. An opportunity has opened up and now someone needs to take it and run with it. I wish it was Freeney, but it seems that he still wants that money.
I applaud Tom Telesco and crew for holding strong. It would be easy to throw money at the situation and try to bandaid it all with Freeney, but there are other concerns on the roster and tossing every last dollar on an aging star would cripple us in the future.
Freeney, our offer is on the table… just shake your head NO and let us know that you want more money and kick rocks. Otherwise, take the deal and suit up and let’s get some work done!