Colts extend qualifying offer to Jerrell Freeman
Pat Lovell / USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts have taken steps to protect one of their key defensive players.
Indy has made a qualifying offer to linebacker Jerrell Freeman, allowing it to match any offer for his services from other teams once free agency starts.
The Colts would receive a second-round pick as compensation if another team signs him, according to Stephen Holder of the Indy Star.
Freeman has been a solid contributor since joining the Colts out of the CFL in 2012, recording 366 tackles and nine sacks in three seasons.
The Colts also tendered exclusive-rights free agents Daniel Adongo, Boom Herron and Cam Johnson on Thursday.