Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman agrees 5-year deal
Atlanta Falcons’ RB Devonta Freeman agrees to monster 5-year deal making him the highest paid back in the league.
It’s been rumoured for some time now but Michael Silver of NFL.com has reported that the Atlanta Falcons and running back Devonta Freeman have finally come together on a contract extension. The new deal is worth a reported $41.25m including $22m in guarantees and $15m signing bonus. This deal makes Freeman the highest paid running back in the league pending Le’Veon Bells’ situation with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Details on #Falcons RB Devonta Freeman's new 5-year, $41.25M extension: He gets $22M in guarantees. $26M over three years. $15M to sign.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 9, 2017
Freeman has been prominent in the Falcons’ backfield for the past two seasons. He has gone for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2015 and 2016. Freeman has shown himself to be the complete back by averaging over 500 yards receiving in that time as well. This has all been achieved while splitting touches with Tevin Colman. It will be interesting to see how this heavy investment in Freeman impacts on the touches ratio.
Many will be happy to see Freeman tied down for the foreseeable future, especially Freeman’s insurance company. But others will argue that the price paid is too great. The Falcon’s have a number of rising stars playing out their rookie contracts and when the time comes it may take a salary cap wizard to keep them all here in Atlanta. Notably, quarterback Matt Ryan is entering the penultimate year of his contract. With a team that is already paying for superstar wide receiver Julio Jones, this doesn’t leave a great deal of cap space on the defensive side of the ball.
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