Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank just came through on a huge promise for running back Devonta Freeman, making him the highest paid running back in the NFL — at least for now.
Freeman agreed to a five-year $41.25 million extension and will earn $8.25 million per season. He will be the highest paid running back until Le’Von Bell signs his deal with the Pittsburgh Stealers. Bell will be paid an average $12.1 million dollars per season, according to cbssports.com.
For now, Freeman is the highest paid running back, and when Bell signs, he will be in second. I don’t think Freeman will be upset about coming in second in this situation.
Devonta deserves every bit of this deal after playing for the Falcons for three seasons. Freeman’s numbers speak for themselves, with 2,383 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns. During the 2016 season, he rushed for 1,079 yards and had 11 touchdowns to help the Falcons reach the Super Bowl for the first time in 18 years, even if the Super Bowl didn’t go as planned.