Devonta Freeman Contract: Latest News and Rumors on Negotiations with Falcons

Although Devonta Freeman has one more year remaining on his current deal with the Atlanta Falcons, the two-time Pro Bowl running back may begin examining his long-term future with the team this offseason.

Continue for updates.

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Falcons GM Comments on Potential Freeman Extension

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff told reporters "we are in a good space" after talking to Freeman's agent. Dimitroff added the two sides will talk about a new contract at an "appropriate time."

"We're extremely encouraged by Devonta, as a player and a person on this team," Dimitroff said on Jan. 30, per Michael Silver of NFL.com. "And people like Devonta are the guys we want to be here for a long time. As we will with a number of our players, we'll address [his contract situation] after the season."

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Freeman Comments on Contract Status

Monday, Jan. 30

When asked at Super Bowl media night about possibly receiving a new contract, Freeman responded, "That's the business side" and he's "trying to enjoy the moment," according to ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold.

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Agent, GM Comment on Potential Extension 

Monday, Jan. 30

Freeman's agent, Kristin Campbell, laid out what she expects the Falcons to do to keep her client in Atlanta.

"It's time for the Falcons to pay him like the elite back he is," Campbell said, per Silver. "I expect them to make him a priority this offseason, as he's been an integral part of the dynamic offense that has gotten them to the Super Bowl."

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Freeman Has Clearly Outplayed Current Contract After 2016 Performance

Freeman is set to earn a $690,000 base salary in 2017 before hitting free agency, per Over the Cap. Based on the last two years, it's easy to see why the 24-year-old is looking for a significant pay raise.

According to Pro-Football-Reference.com's play index, no running back has accounted for more yards from scrimmage between 2015 and 2016 than Freeman, who has gained 3,175 combined yards during that span.

While there's no questioning Freeman's importance to the Falcons offense, it bears watching how the team approaches his extension. Atlanta won't want to let Freeman's price tag soar, as fellow running back Tevin Coleman is set to become a free agent after the 2018 season.

Coleman showed improvement in his second year while backing up Freeman. He ran for 520 yards and eight touchdowns and caught 31 passes for 421 yards and three scores. Pro Football Focus gave Coleman a 74.5 overall grade in 2016, which was slightly below Freeman's (77.0).

Considering how many talented running backs slip to later rounds of the NFL draft, the Falcons may be wary about committing big money to both Freeman and Coleman. Thus, it wouldn't be surprising to see Atlanta re-sign one and let the other walk.

In time, Atlanta may decide the more cost-effective option will be to jettison Freeman and retain Coleman (who is a year younger), despite Freeman being the more proven NFL running back.