Pass-rusher Dwight Freeney agrees to one-year deal with Cardinals

ByChris Mortensen ESPN logo
Monday, October 12, 2015

The Arizona Cardinals have reached an agreement on a one-year contract with veteran pass-rusher Dwight Freeney, according to a source.

Freeney's contract is worth $870,000 plus sack incentives, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's a similar deal to the one the Cardinals gave veteran running backChris Johnsonin August. Johnson, who signed for $870,000 with additional incentives, has rewarded theCardinals by rushing for 405 yards, tying him for second in league in the category.

Freeney passed a physical with the team earlier Monday.

Asked about Freeney, Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said Monday, "there's no agreements. We're just waiting on seeing what we're going to do."

Freeney and Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher worked together in 2012 with the Indianapolis Colts.

Freeney is expected to have a limited role in pass-rush situations after outside linebacker Alex Okafor suffered a calf injury Sunday against the Lions.

Freeney, 35, had 3.5 sacks with the Chargers in 2014 and has been a free agent this season. He has 111.5 sacks in his career, putting him at No. 21 on the all-time list, one spot behind former teammateRobert Mathis(112).

He had discussions with the Baltimore Ravens after Terrell Suggs was injured, as well as with the New Orleans Saints.

ESPN Staff Writer Josh Weinfuss contributed to this report.

Related Video