Freeney Laughing All the Way to the Bank

He who laughs last laughs best.

It's a great old saying, don't have clue who came up with it, but I know one man who's having a glorious last laugh.

Indianapolis Colts DE Dwight Freeney, who many said was too small to play in the NFL, is now the highest paid defensive lineman in history after signing a six-year, $72 million contract with the team Friday that includes a $30 million signing bonus.

Freeney was drafted in the first round in 2002 and developed into one of the game's most disruptive defensive players. Freeney registered 56½ sacks during his first five seasons with the Colts and has forced 27 fumbles during his career.

Freeney and the Colts had until Monday to hammer out a long-term deal. Had that not happened, Freeney and the Colts would have been forced to settle for the one-year tender at $9.43 million, which would have left Freeney to decide whether or not to hold out.

The question is, does he deserve the money? Based on his first five seasons, yes. Based on last year, no.

Freeney is still young at 27, but his production fell significantly last year. In 2006, he recorded only 29 tackles with a career low six sacks. His size (6-1, 268) is a concern. As he gets older, the possibility of wearing down increase.

But the Colts are willing to overlook last season and write it off as an aberration. Freeney, when on his game, is a prolific pass rusher and an expert at disrupting the quarterback. He is the leader of the defense. The glue that holds the unit together.

In the end, the Colts did the right thing. You can't let a premier pass rusher move on. That's tantamount to committing franchise suicide.

This deal will have a significant impact on other top pass-rushers in negotiations to re-sign with their teams. New Orleans Saints DE Will Smith, Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers and Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs are premier pass-rushers who were waiting to see how Freeney's negotiations turned out.

A Super Bowl ring and now a big, fat, record-breaking contract. It must be nice to be in Dwight Freeney's shoes.