Devonta Freeman playing for new contract with Atlanta Falcons
By Kelvin Hunt
Former FSU standout running back Devonta Freeman is looking for a new contract from the Atlanta Falcons. He’ll need to prove himself one more time.
The Atlanta Falcons got a steal when they drafted Devonta Freeman in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
He’s been a two-time Pro Bowl player and led the NFL with 11 rushing touchdowns in 2015.
Overall, he’s been one of the best running backs since entering the league while also becoming a legitimate receiving threat in today’s ever-changing NFL game.
Freeman has one year left on his current rookie contract and wants to be paid like the elite back he has become according ESPN’s Josina Anderson:
"#Falcons RB Devonta Freeman to me on why he doesn’t feel the need to hold out: “Me and my team, we already said what we expected and wanted so there is no need for me to sit around here saying ‘why my contract not done?’ ‘Why is this, and why is that?’ I don’t have to do that. I don’t have those problems because realistically I am under contract already. I have to play my fourth season, so it’s no big deal.”"
Freeman will make 1.838 million in 2018 according to NFL.com.
Noteworthy
Freeman is a prime example for college running backs to learn from. Freeman played for three years at Florida State, was drafted in the fourth round, and is one of the best running backs in the league at 25 years old.
The key for running backs in to get to the second contract after completing their rookie deal. That’s where they are going to find their maximum value, and likely their biggest contract since the shelf life of running backs is extremely short.
This is why Freeman is pushing so hard for the biggest contract he can get.
Most of the “elite” running backs make around 8 million or more a year. That would be a nice pay raise for one of the best young players in the league.
Next: Devonta Freeman No. 50 of NFL's Top 100 players
FSU just had Dalvin Cook selected in the second round of the draft a few weeks ago. The key for him is to perform like Freeman has, so that second contract can set him up for life.