Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman believes extension is close

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman believes he and the team are close to finally deciding on a contract extension and should be done before camp

Heading into his final season of the rookie deal he signed back in 2014, Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman believes he’s about to get a hefty extension before the start of training camp. The fourth-round pick out of Florida State has earned as much with his stellar play, and the team is set on paying him what he’s worth.

The talk all offseason has indicated that both sides want to get a deal done, and now Freeman feels like it’s about to happen.

"“It’s that feeling when you know something special is coming and you’re about to be blessed,” Freeman told D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “It’s just an exciting moment in time for me right now.”"

After back-to-back seasons with over 1,000-yards, Freeman has become a spark plug for the Falcons offense. No longer are they solely dependent on the passing game as he and fellow running back Tevin Coleman are among the best combination of runners in the league.

The good news for Falcons fans is Freeman isn’t focused solely on the money, so don’t expect to see a holdout if things get weird — or a guy who’s out of shape because he neglected himself while hoping to get paid.

"“I’m not rushing it, and I’m not impatient,” Freeman said again per Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I’m just trying to make sure that my business is right as far as being in the best shape of my life. Being healthy, stronger, faster and being better at the same time.”"

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Freeman deserves to be paid, and will be. His focus on getting the new year kicked off the right way despite this contract issue lingering is just one of the many reasons fans should be excited about him being with the team for the foreseeable future.