The Atlanta Falcons made two-time Pro Bowler Devonta Freeman the highest-paid running back in the NFL after they agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $41.25 million. Michael Silver of the NFL Network first reported the deal while the Falcons confirmed the five-year extension, which will be tacked onto the final year of Freeman's rookie contract, and runs through the 2022 season.
According to Michael Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, the extension includes $17.3 million in fully guaranteed money and a $15 million signing bonus. The extension will pay Freeman an annual average salary of $8.25 million, the highest pay for a running back, pending Le'Veon Bell's acceptance of a one-year, $12.1 million franchise tag from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Freeman also surpassed Buffalo Bills' LeSean McCoy, who will earn $8 million a season.
Falcons pleased to sign Freeman to extension
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the team was pleased to get this extension done with Freeman, whom they say “embodies everything we are looking for in a Falcon." Dimitroff said they’re proud that the 25-year-old Freeman will spend his career in Atlanta. Freeman’s agent said he was elated to be the highest-paid rusher in the NFL, saying it is a testament to his on-field achievement. “He's excited to be a Falcon for life,” Campbell said of Freeman. The deal came after months of negotiations between the two sides.
A fourth-round draft pick in 2014, Freeman has scored 27 touchdowns over the past two seasons.
In 2015, Freeman made it to Pro Bowl after tallying 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns on 265 carries and catching 73 passes for 578 yards. Last season, he tallied 1,079 yards on 227 carries and had 54 receptions for 462 yards -- again earning a Pro Bowl selection.
Falcons to deal with Matt Ryan next
Now that Freeman’s been signed, the Falcons will now focus on signing quarterback and reigning MVP Matt Ryan to an extension.
Previously, Falcons owner Arthur Blank said that he would reward him for his exemplary performance and for carrying the team to the Super Bowl last season. "He needs to be compensated well, certainly. And he will be,” Blank said. The 32-year-old Ryan has two years remaining on the six-year, $103.75 million deal that he signed in July 2013, including $59 million in guaranteed money.
Last season, Ryan threw for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns with just seven interceptions for a passer rating of 117.1. He led the Falcons to a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots but lost in overtime.
