Terrell Suggs injury: Three possible replacements for Baltimore Ravens
By Joe Serpico
December 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Freeney’s name was the first to come to many people’s minds when the news leaked of Suggs’ injury. He’s no longer the threat he was in his days with the Indianapolis Colts, but he still had a formidable season with the San Diego Chargers last season. He recorded 3.5 sacks and 40 quarterback hurries in 2014.
At 35 years old, Freeney is just a situational player, but that’s what this defense needs right now. Courtney Upshaw and rookie Za’Darius Smith are going to see an increase in reps, but Upshaw isn’t exactly a sack specialist and Smith still has a lot to learn about the NFL game. Freeney could comes in on passing situations and give the Ravens some of the pressure that Suggs offers.
Even at his age, Freeney is still an effective option who also has experience in the 3-4 scheme. He will come at an average salary for a veteran player and is also a proven winner. Baltimore could use another experienced presence along the defensive line with Suggs out, and Freeney could take over some of that leadership role on defense.
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