After helping lead the Atlanta Falcons to a 11-5 regular season and an appearance in Super Bowl LI, RB Devonta Freeman has decided to stick around the Peach State for awhile.
Wednesday morning, the team announced they signed Freeman to a 5-year, $41.25 million contract extension. The deal includes $22 million in guaranteed money and will pay him a $15 million signing bonus. The deal makes Freeman the highest-paid running back in the National Football League.
#EatFree!
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 9, 2017
We have agreed to terms with Devonta Freeman on a five-year contract extension.
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Last year, Freeman rushed 227 times for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 54 passes for 462 yards and two touchdowns. In his career in Atlanta, Freeman has rushed for 2,383 yards and scored 23 touchdowns. He has also caught 157 total passes for 1,265 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past three seasons.
Devonta Freeman is #InBrotherhood long-term!
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) August 9, 2017
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Freeman was drafted by the Falcons in the 4th round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State. The 2017 season will be the last season of Freeman's rookie contract and it will pay him $1.79 million this year.
A young boy from the bottom. You put that work in & stay humble, you'll be rewarded. All glory to GOD🙏🏾 Now we just gotta go get the trophy!
— Devonta Freeman (@devontafreeman) August 9, 2017
Freeman is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named 2nd Team All Pro by the Associated Press in 2015.
The Falcons will kick off the 2017-2018 season on Sept. 10 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago. That game will kick off at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on Fox.
The team will open their new stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, on Aug. 26 when they host the Arizona Cardinals for a preseason matchup. Atlanta will play their first preseason game this Thursday night, Aug. 10, in Miami against the Dolphins.
