FSU alums: Why Devonta Freeman shouldn’t sit out 2020 season
By Kelvin Hunt
Former FSU football running back Devonta Freeman is looking for a new home in the NFL but could sit out the 2020 season if he doesn’t get the deal he wants.
Former FSU running back Devonta Freeman played his cards right when he left FSU after being a huge part of its third national title team.
He was drafted in the fourth round and played well enough during his rookie contract to become the highest-paid running back in the NFL going into the 2017 season.
That’s the goal for every player to get to that second contract as quickly as possible because that’s where the big money is.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed Freeman the past two seasons, and he’s looking to rebound with another team after the Atlanta Falcons released him.
The good news is, teams are interested in Freeman but do not seem willing to pay him the contract he wants, which is about 5 million dollars for one year.
The Seattle Seahawks offered him a contract but moved on after he didn’t accept and signed Carlos Hyde.
A recent report indicates Freeman is willing to sit out the 2020 season if he doesn’t receive the contract he believes he’s worth.
Thoughts On What He Should Do
I do not think that would be a wise move for the former Nole. Freeman should have some tread left on his tires at just 28 years old, but sitting out a year will do him no favors. If he can’t get a contract he desires now, he’s not going to get one to his liking after not playing football for a year.
The contract he’s looking to sign right now is what I call a “prove it” contract. Meaning, he signs for a season and performs well enough to get something like a two-year deal afterward.
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That’s the smart move and ensures he gets paid at least for one season and possibly more. If he sits out the 2020 season, he likely makes less money over the same time frame, not to mention he could be out of the NFL altogether.