Cast off by Colts, Freeney eyes Giants, Jets and Patriots

Mike Chappell, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

Dwight Freeney expected to receive an offer from the Colts and finish his career in Indianapolis.

That didn't happen.

The team's career sack leader is still trying to absorb the fact he will become an unrestricted free agent on March 12 after being informed last week he will not be re-signed.

"I'll be honest with you, I was surprised the way it happened," Freeney said in a telephone interview with USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. "I figured they would offer me something low, and I would just accept it, go the last few years and retire a Colt and that would be it.

"That didn't happen."

So, now Freeney is planting seeds: In a Sirius XM NFL Radio interview Wednesday, he gushed about the possibility of playing in New York -- for the Jets and coach Rex Ryan, or for the Giants, where, after years of playing with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Freeney would join Peyton's brother, Eli.

"We'll see, obviously, Rex is a great guy, I actually know Rex, I met him a few times,'' Freeney said. "Playing in New York, that is obviously something that's very attractive. Scheme-wise, I'm sure Rex knows how to free guys up. That would be a good fit, but a lot of teams would be a good fit. I'm an East Coast guy, it makes sense, it feels good but we'll see the next few weeks who's actually interested."

Playing for the Giants "would be a dream,'' he said, given that "I grew up a Giants fan, all my life.''

He added: "I think the biggest thing I'm looking for is a contender, it doesn't necessarily have to be a Super Bowl team -- at least it's a team that is contending for the Super Bowl, in the playoffs and fits the things that I do. I played 11 years and I want to continue to win. I can't see myself going to a non-winner."

And if you're thinking that Freeney wouldn't consider playing for the New England Patriots, the Colts' archrivals, think again. In the free-agent market, everyone is a potential employer -- especially those (like Bill Belichick) who might be looking for a situational pass rusher.

"A lot of my friends have brought that up ... that's a great organization over there, they have won a lot of games, have a lot of great players," Freeney said. "I would be honored to play for anybody, especially that type of organization."

Freeney said he was out of town and informed of the Colts' decision in a conference call with owner Jim Irsay, general manager Ryan Grigson and coach Chuck Pagano. He admitted he was disappointed by their news.

"I won't say there's bitterness because I understand the business side of it," said Freeney, who turned 33 Tuesday. "Jim took a chance on me and I have to be grateful for that. I've had a long career in Indy, longer than most people in one place.

"I just thought they would offer me something, but they didn't. So I guess I'm a little disappointed."

The Colts made Freeney the 11th overall selection in the 2002 draft. In 11 seasons, he compiled a club-record 107 1/2 sacks — that's tied for 21st in NFL history and if No. 5 among active players — and was selected to seven Pro Bowls.

Freeney is coming off one of his least productive seasons. He finished with 12 tackles and five sacks while dealing much of the season with a high ankle sprain and a position change. In Pagano's 3-4 defense, Freeney was moved from defensive end to outside linebacker.

Irsay informed Freeney he would be added to the Ring of Honor at Lucas Oil Stadium when he retires.

That won't be anytime soon. Freeney insisted teams have shown an interest in him, even though discussions cannot begin until free-agent opens March 12.

"I have a lot left in the tank," he said. "I'm still running to the ball very quickly and I still have my explosion.

"I feel good right now. I'm excited to bring my talents to whoever would love to have me. I'm worried about getting to the right organization, a winning organization."

Mike Chapell writes for the Indianapolis Star. Follow him on Twitter @mchappell51.