It’s very apparent that the Indianapolis Colts are looking to go into a new direction and no one, including defensive end Dwight Freeney, is safe.

According to Len Pasquarelli of Yahoo Sports, many teams have contacted the Colts about a possible trade for the former Pro-Bowler.

Franchises certainly are conducting their pre-free agency due diligence about the pair of elite pass rushers. Mathis is a pending free agent, and the Colts could be hard-pressed to retain Freeney, who is due a $14.035 million base salary and has a $19 million-plus salary cap charge, in the franchise facelift to which Irsay and Grigson appear committed.

If the Colts switch to a 3-4 front – a transition that could be dicey given their defensive personnel, but one with which new coach Chuck Pagano is most familiar – Mathis and Freeney are poor fits. Neither has the bulk to play 3-4 end, and neither has played much in space, so the conversion to 3-4 linebacker would be tough.

Freeney will be 32-years-old by the time next season starts so his earning potential is dwindling at this point in his career. Don’t be shocked if the Colts don’t trade or cut Freeney before next season. In fact, you should be surprised if they don’t do either.