FSU Alums: Why Devonta Freeman is worth money he’s asking for
By Kelvin Hunt
Former FSU standout running back Devonta Freeman is looking for a new home after being released by the Atlanta Falcons. Here’s why he’s worth the money he’s asking.
Free-agent running back Devonta Freeman is no stranger to proving himself. He was discovered by Jimbo Fisher while Fisher was scouting one of his teammates.
Freeman has zero stars at the time, but quickly asserted himself when given the opportunity and finished his high school career as a top 10 running back out of high school.
He became the first FSU running back to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing mark since Warrick Dunn in 1996, and helped the Noles capture their third national title in the 2013 season.
He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and became the highest-paid running back in the NFL going into the 2017 season.
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However, injuries during the 2018 season derailed Freeman as he forced to miss all but two games. The 2019 season saw his productivity drop significantly while sharing carries with other running backs.
The Falcons released him and signed Todd Gurley leaving Freeman looking for a new home for the 2020 season. It looks as though a few teams are interested with Seattle making an offer for one-year at near 4 million dollars.
They are reports Freeman’s camp is looking for around 5 million for one year. A one year deal at his age makes sense. It’s a prove you still have it type of contract for Freeman who’s coming off a down year with an injury history.
Here’s Why Freeman’s Worth What He’s Asking
Frankly, the Atlanta offensive line wasn’t anything to write home about last season. Not to mention they were incredibly pass-happy with them attempting nearly 700 passes during the season.
Freeman still led the team with 656 rushing yards and was fourth on the team with 59 receptions for over 400 yards with four touchdowns from the running back position. He’s incredibly sure-handed, catching over 80 percent of his targets.
The NFL is built on running backs being able to attack in both the run and passing game. Devonta Freeman proved he could do that and 5 million per year would just be over half of what he was making in Atlanta.
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He’s only 28 years old and has less than 1,000 carries during his six-year NFL career. Whoever signs Freeman will have a player with a history of proving himself when he needs to.