Falcons GM Targets Thursday for Devonta Freeman's New Contract

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said his focus this week is negotiating with running back Devonta Freeman on a contract extension, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com.

He added he would like to complete a deal with the star running back by Thursday, but isn't certain that will happen. 

He added, per McClure:

"We're in a spot where we feel where we're very focused on sitting down and discussing where we are, making sure that we're not re-creating a market, because that's not what we're talking about here. We're talking about making sure that we talk about having him here for a number of years to come because he's a very important part of this organization."

Freeman's contract became a major story in the leadup to last year's Super Bowl, when his agent spoke out on negotiating an extension.

"It's time for the Falcons to pay him like the elite back he is," Kristin Campbell told Michael Silver of NFL.com. "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."

Freeman, 25, has established himself as one of the most productive running backs in football over the past two seasons, rushing for 2,135 yards and 22 touchdowns in that time. He's added 127 receptions for 1,040 yards and five more scores.

But he's due to make just $1.7 million in the 2017 season, per Spotrac.com, putting him in line for a major raise.

Without question, he's become one of the focal points and key playmakers for Atlanta's offense. But with Tevin Coleman also in Atlanta, the Falcons will eventually face a key dilemma: Can they pay major money to both of their running backs, and if not, which will they choose?

For now, it would appear the team hopes to lock up Freeman for the long term. At some point, however, Atlanta may have to choose between its two dynamic running backs.