Chargers linebacker Dwight Freeney lasted longer on the market than most players. Despite being one of the top pass rushers in NFL history, Freeney waited until May 18 to finally find a new home.
"I basically think the owners got together and decided not to spend the cash on free agents," Freeney told CBSSports.com. "I definitely think that's part of it. I think the owners made a pact. There's only 32 of them and none of them broke ranks. I think they all decided not to spend money."
Freeney's feelings about collusion do not break new ground. In April, the NFLPA expressed concern about the possibility, prompting an email from executive director DeMaurice Smith to player agents asking them to report any improper dealings with NFL teams.
The email, obtained by ESPNDallas.com, read: "We have heard reports of a concern that teams are working in concert to 'peg,' 'rig' or 'set' market prices on player conracts. If you believe or have information that the teams have been colluding during this free-agency period, you have a responsibility as an agent of the NFLPA to come forward and share that information with us."
The email also stated the union has "heard anecdotally" that some NFL teams are inaccurately reporting they have salary-cap issues in regard to signing veteran free agents.
NFL spokesperson Greg Aiello said of the email: "Player signings in 2013 have been characterized by robust spending and intense competition. Anyone seeing collusion in this market is seeing ghosts."
However, an anonymous agent told CBSSports.com that this offseason has seen unusual dealings in free agency.
"I've been in this business for several decades and there was never an offseason like this. Never," the agent said.
"What you saw," Freeney said, "were guys getting small deals. I haven't seen anything like it. There was a lot of take-it-or-leave-it from teams. It was crazy. Even a guy like [Elvis] Dumervil didn't make as much money as he should have. He's in his prime."
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