It seems Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is on the recruiting trail.

His target for relocation to Denver: ex-Indianapolis Colts teammate Dwight Freeney.  And Freeney said so himself to PFT Live:

“He sent me a text and he just said, ‘Hey man, don’t worry, come play with me in Denver. I don’t know how serious it was but, you know, it’s good to hear some of your former teammates still follow you, they care and they want to see you succeed.”

The Indianapolis Colts informed the 33-year-old last week he would not be re-signed. Freeney moved from defensive end to outside linebacker before the 2012 season as part of the Colts’ overhaul. His production has slipped in recent seasons, but is still considered an elite pass rusher.

Defensive end Dwight Freeney will not return to the Indianapolis Colts. (courtesy Jeffrey Beall)

Freeney likely won’t have trouble finding suitors when free agency officially gets underway next month.  The reality is several teams out there won’t flinch at offering Freeney big dollars.  Freeney earned more than $14 million in 2012, the second-highest base salary last season…second to only Peyton Manning. That’s not to suggest Freeney will command a similar salary in 2013, but as it stands right now, the Broncos only have about $15 million to spend, but expect that to change with looming cuts.

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If the Broncos can land Freeney at a bargain, say $5 million or less, then it’s certainly worth the investment. Whether he rotates or plays alongside with Doom and Gloom, you know what they say:

You can never really have too may pass rushers.

DHF Likelihood Meter: 3 out of 10

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