The defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons opened training camp on Wednesday with a ton of confidence. This remains one of the most talent-laden rosters in the NFL. And despite a meltdown against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl last February, Atlanta should be right there with the top teams in the NFL.
Though, there’s one dark cloud hanging over the Falcons as they open camp in Flowery Branch.
Star running back Devonta Freeman is entering the final year of his contract. The two sides engaged in extension negotiations throughout the offseason, but nothing really came to fruition.
Remember, the lead up to the Super Bowl itself was marred by Freeman’s agent indicating the running back deserved elite-level pay. That was followed up by another member of his entourage wondering aloud whether the Falcons can even afford to pay Freeman was he’s worth.
For their part, the Falcons have always been confident that they can lock Freeman up on a long-term deal. That hasn’t changed with camp opening up in Georgia on Wednesday.
The Falcons are "optimistic" about getting a deal done with Devonta Freeman
UPDATE | 📺 @RapSheet https://t.co/8rvqDI9SvZ
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 26, 2017
Coming off a two-year span that saw him put up nearly 3,200 total yards with 27 touchdowns, Freeman remains a key cog in a Falcons offense headed by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. The issue here is that he’s been part of a running back committee approach with fellow youngster Tevin Coleman. In the Falcons’ eyes, that could limit the perceived value Freeman brings to their offense.
On a related note, the running back market is currently somewhat muddied. Top running backs Ezekiel Elliott and David Johnson are currently playing under their rookie deals. Meanwhile, fellow Pro Bowler Le’Veon Bell is in a contract standoff with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
While Freeman has to be considered a tad below them in terms of value, it tells us a story of a running back situation around the NFL that is unclear.
That’s likely the major component that has held up the two sides from finalizing a deal heading into the 2017 season. It will surely be interesting to see what comes of this, especially with what it would mean if the two sides don’t come to terms on an extension.
Remember, Bell will be earning $12.1 million under the franchise tag should he sign it. Is that a price Atlanta would be willing to pay Freeman to avoid him hitting free agency next March? We’re not too sure.