Atlanta Falcons: Devonta Freeman Should Get Paid

The Atlanta Falcons have been going back and forth with Devonta Freeman for some time now as to whether or not the running back will sign a contract long term. It is time for the Falcons to pay one of the best running backs in the League.

Finding a franchise running back is a rare commodity that the Atlanta Falcons have and should take advantage of while they can. All off-season both sides have “remained confident” that a deal would soon happen. It is time to stop the posturing and lock up Devonta Freeman to a long term deal.

Freeman brings more value to the team than most fans realize with the focus primarily on Julio Jones and the MVP season that Matt Ryan put together. Freeman’s ability to play receiver out of the backfield or truck through defenders is a combo that the Falcons are not going to find anywhere else.

Playing on a deal that was a bargain Freeman has earned a payday and knows that he has. Running back is a dangerous position and there is nothing wrong with the fact that Freeman wants to get paid now.

Without Freeman the Falcon’s offense becomes much less dynamic with the running game being left to Tevin Coleman who is best used as a gadget player or a third down back. Freeman is a franchise player that on many teams without Julio Jones would be the best player on the roster.

Waiting on a deal past this season is dangerous for both Freeman and the Falcons considering that Freeman could take offense and decide to go elsewhere. While there is a lot of young talent the Falcons have to decide to lock up at some point those decisions are down the road. The Falcons priority between now and week one should be ensuring that Devonta Freeman is in a Falcon’s jersey for a long time to come.