Devonta Freeman Says He's Looking Forward to Signing Contract Extension

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman helped lead his team to the Super Bowl last season and is ready to be rewarded with a contract extension.

"It's that feeling when you know something special is coming and you're about to be blessed," Freeman said Thursday, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "It's just an exciting moment in time for me right now."

Ledbetter noted Freeman is headed into the final year of his rookie contract, which will pay him $1.8 million in 2017.

Ledbetter pointed out the Falcons have a recent history of extending players in the final year of their contacts under general manager Thomas Dimitroff, but Freeman's "camp wants him to be paid like an 'elite' running back."

"I'm not rushing it and I'm not impatient," Freeman said."I'm just trying to make sure that my business is right as far as being in the best shape of my life. Being healthy, stronger, faster and being better at the same time."

Freeman's being even stronger and faster would be a problem for opposing defenses regardless of his contract situation. He has been to the Pro Bowl the last two seasons and is part of a potent one-two punch in the backfield alongside Tevin Coleman.

The Florida State product ran for a career-best 1,079 yards last season and mixed in 462 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. He also scored a touchdown in all three of Atlanta's playoff games, including the Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots.

What's more, Freeman is just 25 years old, meaning the Falcons would be wise to lock him up for the foreseeable future.