Coming off a disappointing 2018 campaign, the Atlanta Falcons have some real decisions to make this spring.
Will the team hold on to underperforming pass rusher Vic Beasley at a $12.8 million cap cost? Will Atlanta retain star defensive tackle Grady Jarrett? These are two big questions on defense.
Offensively, it sure looks like stud young running back Tevin Coleman will be calling another NFL city home next season.
According to ESPN’s Vaughn McClure, word on the street is that the Falcons will let their former third-round pick walk.
Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff also didn’t seem too confident when it comes to retaining Coleman.
“Tevin’s going to do well, wherever he is,” the GM said during the NFL Scouting Combine this week. “Whether he is with us or whether he goes somewhere else.”
This shouldn’t be considered too much of a surprise. Atlanta inked fellow running back Devonta Freeman to a five-year, $41.25 million contract back in August of 2017. At that point, Freeman was the highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Freeman missed all but two games this past season to injury. In his stead, Coleman racked up 1,076 total yards and nine touchdowns while averaging nearly 5.0 yards per rush.
The 25-year-old back will be looking for both a huge pay day and a featured role in free agency. Atlanta simply can’t offer that.