Free-agent pass rusher Dwight Freeney's asking price reportedly is dropping again.
Freeney requested $8 million annually in his initial contract talks with the Denver Broncos, according to The Denver Post. NFL Network's Michelle Beisner reported not long after that the Broncos remained hot on Freeney's trail but were unwilling to meet his demands of $6 million annually.
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With the 2013 NFL Draft over, The Denver Post reported Tuesday that Freeney will settle for a contract similar to the $8.5 million, two-year deal Osi Umenyiora received from the Atlanta Falcons. It's still reportedly more than the Broncos are willing to spend after signingShaun Phillips to a contract with a $1 million base salary.
Freeney isn't the only aging pass rusher twisting in the wind of a cold market. Former Falcons standout John Abraham, who said he wanted $5 million annually even if he was playing "terrible," remains unsigned. Both players will have to continue to slash their demands to find a taker.
As aging veterans in need of fresh legs, Freeney and Abraham might be willing to go the Brett Favre route and sit out of training camp until the recruiters come calling.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
