2013 NFL Free Agency: Giants a 'dream' team for Dwight Freeney

Former Indianapolis Colts star defensive end Dwight Freeney told Adam Schein Wednesday on Sirius XM that he grew up as a New York Giants' fan and called playing for his favorite boyhood team a "dream."

Could the Giants make it a reality?

It just so happens that the Giants are almost certainly losing Osi Umenyiora, their own veteran pass-rushing defensive end, to free agency. That means they have an opening for a player to rotate with Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck, and fill one of the slots in their four defensive end NASCAR package on passing downs.

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According to one report, the released of the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end had the NFL "buzzing," and at least one GM said teams will covet Freeney even more highly than the younger Umenyiora. That report stated flatly that "Freeney always has been a superior all-around talent."

Freeney had the worst statistical season of his career in 2012, registering just five sacks and 12 tackles in 14 games. The numbers could be considered misleading, though, because Freeney made his living as a 4-3 defensive end, terrorizing quarterbacks from his right end spot. The Colts transitioned to a 3-4 last season, forcing Freeney to play out of position at outside linebacker.

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In 2011 he registered 8.5 sacks while playing his natural defensive end spot. Looking back over his career Freeney has never been much of a run defender, but we know that isn't Umenyiora's cup of tea, either.

Freeney has 107 career sacks, and you have to think that as a situational pass-rusher he's the perfect replacement for -- and possibly even an upgrade from -- Umenyiora.

Your thoughts, Giants' fans?