Peyton wants Freeney to go to the Broncos... And it could happen

With Free Agency kicking off at 4pm ET, the rumor mill is in overdrive, and deals are starting to take place. And someone who (I hope) the New England Patriots are going after might have found his destination... with a key rival. (Source)

Last month, when very-soon-to-be former Colts linebacker Dwight Freeney joined PFT Live, he said that Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning already had been recruiting Freeney to return to the defensive end position in Denver’s 4-3 defense.

I would love Dwight Freeney at the Patriots. He would be great as a situational pass rusher, coming on for 2nd/3rd and long to just get after the QB. And I'm sure Tom Brady would be relieved he wouldn't have to face him.

But his more likely home is probably with the Denver Broncos, reunited with Peyton Manning. Manning has already been lobbying for Freeney to replace Elvis Dumervil, who is more than likely hitting the market so the Broncos can free up cap space.

And this wouldn't be good for the Patriots. I wouldn't disagree with anyone who said the lack of pressure on the QB is more of a problem than the secondary, even if Aqib Talib leaves. Take the AFC Championship game - Joe Flacco just had so much time, and you can't cover people forever, even if you've got a top 5 secondary, let alone ours.

And of course, it makes the Broncos stronger. Firstly, it makes Manning happier, more comfortable and he'll be better for it. And replacing Dumervil with Freeney brings you a guy who can probably give you the same productivity for a far lower price - Dumervil is due $12mil, which is why he's leaving. This frees up a lot of cap space to bring in more Free Agents to make themselves better. Perhaps with Wes Welker...

Would you be disappointed if the Pats missed out on Freeney, or is there someone better out there? Comment below, or let me know on Twitter @BrendanAnnely