Atlanta Falcons: Is it necessary to extend Devonta Freeman?

With all signs pointing to a new deal for running back Devonta Freeman, is it really the smartest move by the Atlanta Falcons?

The running back position is one of popularity once again. After watching talented players at the spot get passed over in the NFL draft, they have become a fixture in the first round again for the past couple of seasons. Perhaps that rise in scouts eyes has something to do with the Atlanta Falcons desire to lock running back Devonta Freeman up long-term.

While it makes sense because Freeman is in his prime, has anything really changed at the running back spot? Consistent winners like the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers have put less than a premium on who plays it for them. There’s also the issue of players being worn down after repeated use, which makes turning to a younger guy much more financially fiscal.

In Atlanta, they can do just that, which begs the question of whether or not Freeman should be extended. Now this in no way means he shouldn’t be, just a simple question — how much worse off would the Falcons be if they let Freeman walk and handed things over to Tevin Coleman and Brian Hill in 2018?

Coleman has proven to be a reliable player in his two seasons, and has a nearly identical yard-per-carry average for his career as Freeman — 4.3 for Freeman, 4.4 for Coleman. He also proved to be just as good — if not better — as a receiver out of the backfield. As for Hill, he was a bruiser at Wyoming that ran over 1,800 yards his junior season.

While Freeman is a game changer, it can’t be denied that Atlanta is a pass-first team. They’re also one that’s tiptoeing along the cap limit, and needs to be ready to dish out some big money to linebackers Vic Beasley and Deion Jones very soon.

With just over $3 million left in the salary cap in 2017 and $13 million in 2018 — according to Over the Cap — the Falcons are low on wiggle room. Now once they get to 2019 things open up a little more, but that’s also when Jones, Beasley (although he could be re-signed in 2018) and even 2016 MVP Matt Ryan willy be needing to have their deals done.

It’s something to think about, although you can rest assured that general manager Thomas Dimitroff is doing just that as he patiently waits to negotiate with their top running back.

Must Read: Top Three Falcons Breakout Candidates for the 2017 NFL Season

We want to hear from you though. Is it the right move to re-sign Freeman’s deal? Or should Atlanta look to spend that money on defense and turn it over to Coleman and Hill? Let us know in the comment section where you stand.