I think we often look at personnel as either good or bad, while the FO looks at other factors such as role and cost. No one is saying Dwight Freeney is a Pro Bowl talent still, nor are we saying he'd be a great run stuffer. But for the right price and the right role, he could be a player on this team. Any player could be considered potentially, again depending on their role and price tag.
If Freeney were cheap and willing to accept a lesser role, then sure, why wouldn't he be considered? Regardless of his limitations, could he carve out a role as a third down pass rusher? Absolutely. Would he be better than some of the pass rushing options we threw out there at times last season? Yes. So it isn't a question of talent or limitations so much as what he could do and what he would cost.
Andre Carter 2.0 isn't the right comparison; Mark Anderson 2.0 might be better.
Most people who think he'll be expensive are probably right, but we've all been wrong many times before so it's worth having the talk. If the market doesn't shape up the way he expects, maybe he reconsiders. After all, this is a team that is usually ahead, puts up points quickly, and it may actually create a significant role for someone like him to close out games while also contending for one more Super Bowl.