:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/10590639/gyi0062898110.0.jpg)
Since the start of free agency, the Detroit Lions have been connected to free-agent defensive ends like William Hayes, Michael Bennett, Osi Umenyiora and Elvis Dumervil. All of those players ended up signing with other teams, but given the Lions' need for help at defensive end, it's no surprise that they were at one time connected to Detroit.
It's also no surprise that the Lions have finally been linked to free-agent defensive end Dwight Freeney. The interesting thing is that the Lions aren't being named as having interest in Freeney. It's actually the other way around. According to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Freeney "likes" the Lions, Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins.
Freeney's list is basically a rundown of teams with a need at defensive end. The Lions could certainly use a player like Freeney, but his salary demands make it seem unlikely that Detroit is a realistic landing spot. I mean, the Lions are not going to pay him this much:
Colleague @michellebeisner reported on Total Access that Freeney wants $6M/year. Makes sense, with Dumervil's range at $26M-$35M over 5.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 26, 2013
Freeney, who had 5.0 sacks in 14 games with the Indianapolis Colts last season, is certainly one of the top veteran defensive ends still on the open market. However, to this point the Lions haven't shown any desire in breaking the bank for a defensive end, so unless Freeney's asking price drastically comes down, I can't see him ending up in Detroit.