Free agent Dwight Freeney says “I can’t see myself going to a non-winner’’ and the pass-rushing defensive end knows one team that fills that requirement.
Freeney said playing for the Giants “would be a dream’’ given “I grew up a Giants fan, all my life.’’
So it goes with NFL free agency, as prospective employers are usually viewed through rose-colored glasses. Freeney, recently cut by the Colts, is looking for a new home to continue his pursuit of opposing quarterbacks and — after so many years playing alongside Peyton Manning — the native of Hartford certainly would love to call Eli Manning a new teammate.
“I think the biggest thing I’m looking for is a contender, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a Super Bowl team, at least it’s a team that is contending for the Super Bowl, in the playoffs and fits the things that I do,’’ Freeney said yesterday on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “I played 11 years and I want to continue to win.’’
Of course, Freeney, 33, also is thinking J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets because that’s how free agents think.
“We’ll see, obviously Rex [Ryan] is a great guy, I actually know Rex, I met him a few times,’’ Freeney said. “Obviously playing in New York is obviously something that’s very attractive. Scheme-wise, I’m sure Rex knows how to free guys up. That would be a good fit, but a lot of teams would be a good fit. I’m an East Coast guy. It makes sense, it feels good but we’ll see the next few weeks who’s actually interested.’’
After 11 seasons with the Colts Freeney was sent packing as the franchise leader in sacks with 107.5. His production last season was way down — five sacks, 12 tackles in 14 games — as he struggled adjusting to a 3-4 defensive front after 10 years working in a 4-3. Still, Freeney is a seven-time Pro Bowler, a member of the NFL’s 2000 All-Decade team and will no doubt attract interest as a situational pass rusher.
With free agent Osi Umenyiora not content in that role and expected to leave the Giants after 10 years, Freeney certainly would be an interesting replacement.
The Giants base their defensive attack on applying pressure with just four rushers, a strategy that did not serve them well in 2012. Jason Pierre-Paul’s output dropped by 10 sacks and Justin Tuck did not have a strong season. If Freeney can command big money as a starter he quickly will price himself out of the Giants’ reaches. But if he’s an affordable option, the Giants might be tempted to kick the tires on a player who, if he has something left in the tank, could enliven their pass rush.
➤ Though LB Keith Rivers did not stay healthy or put up much production last season there’s a chance he could be back.
His agent, Andrew Kessler, yesterday told The Post “There will be discussions with the Giants about Keith returning.’’
Rivers played in just 11 games (six starts) and had 44 tackles, but he’s just 26 years old.
➤ WR Domenik Hixon, set to become an unrestricted free agent, wants to return and his agent, Eric Metz, said he will speak with the Giants at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
paul.schwartz@nypost.com