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The Atlanta Falcons just coughed up some serious dough to running back Devonta Freeman. He’s been one of Atlanta’s best offensive weapons since he was freed from his spot on the bench behind Steven Jackson.
Freeman, along with Julio Jones, are literally the league’s top two most effective offensive weapons.
#Falcons Devonta Freeman is 2nd in @NFL w/ 3,175 scrimmage yds since 2015. He's behind only his teammate Julio Jones (3,280)
— Will Selva (@WillSelvaTV) August 9, 2017
These are truly some amazing numbers. While running backs have become devalued in the league recently, it is impossible to deny Freeman’s impact. He is, by all accounts, a great team player that perfectly fits the attitude Dan Quinn wants in his players. He’s an effective running back, a real weapon catching the ball, and almost always a solid pass blocker.
Atlanta is keeping their most important pieces. In fact, Field Yates points out something interesting.
The Falcons now have their leading rusher, receiver, sack-er, top 2 tacklers, top CB & best OL under contract for 3 or more years. Stacked.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) August 9, 2017
The Falcons miraculously lost very few players after their Super Bowl run, and may have actually improved their roster during the offseason. And who is up for a big deal soon? No one, because Atlanta had a terrible 2014 draft. Hopefully they can pay Taylor Gabriel, and work on a new deal or replacement for Jake Matthews in the next two years.
The team clearly has a window to keep their best players together, and they made sure to not let anyone get away.