After the past two impressive seasons, two Pro Bowl invites and a pending Super Bowl matchup, it is not shocking that Devonta Freeman’s agent is speaking up.
“It’s time for the Falcons to pay him like the elite back he is,” Freeman’s agent, Kristin Campbell, told 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.”
Currently, Freeman is a huge value play for the Falcons, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He didn’t do much in his rookie year, but since has earned every penny of his salary. During 2015-2016, Freeman tallied a grand total of 3,175 yards and 28 touchdowns.
It also helps his case tremendously that his team made it to its first Super Bowl in nearly two decades. After the big game, Freeman enters 2017 under the last year of his rookie contract. A contract that pays roughly $800,000 for the year.
Freeman is one of several players who could take advantage of his current situation and cash out big moving forward (more on that here).
It is not just Freeman’s agent who is making noise about a new contract. Freeman is looking to secure a new deal, despite his frustration with sharing a rushing role with fellow back Tevin Coleman.
“Oh, I’m certainly struggling with it, just because I’m a competitor,” Freeman said. “I just want to be around the ball as much as I can, to help the team win. Now we’re in the Super Bowl, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I don’t know how many carries or touches I’m gonna get going into this game, but I’m gonna try to make the most of every opportunity I get.”
We are not sure what 2017 holds as far as Freeman managing more pay. Since he still has to play out one more year, the Falcons could do nothing. Or they could open up their wallets to ensure they don’t eventually lose Freeman to another team.
Although, it doesn’t appear Freeman want to pursue a new home.
“I hope so, because I want to be with the Falcons forever,” Freeman said. “I don’t want to be anywhere else. I don’t want to jump from team to team. I want to be like a Ray Lewis or a Tom Brady and spend my whole career with one team.”
That’s a great spirit. And, one that Freeman will surely need to secure his first Super Bowl ring.