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Fullback Patrick DiMarco exceeded expectations far above almost anyone else on the Atlanta Falcons. Preseason hype built around Collin Mooney, who flashed stunning ability on the field. An injury later, DiMarco was handed the starting spot. Fans were rewarded with the best fullback season since Ovie Mughelli.
DiMarco was the best fullback in the league according to Pro Football Focus. By a sizable amount. He played the third most snaps of any fullback, and helped pave the way for Devonta Freeman's Pro Bowl season. His most notable impact was in the passing game, where he caught 13 passes for 110 yards, including his two touchdown game against the Indianapolis Colts.
DiMarco has been selected as Atlanta's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nominee, and clearly has the respect of his teammates. He has a very reasonable $760,000 base salary this year, which is so low that it would be impossible to replace him with anyone of his caliber in free agency.
His salary to performance comparison is so sizable, it is nonsensical to think about replacing DiMarco. Just about to turn 27, DiMarco is a likely candidate for an extension if he continues performing at this elite level.