The Atlanta Falcons may have thought that they had seen the last of their former two-time Pro Bowl running back, Devonta Freeman, however, that’s not the case, according to NFL Network’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter reported Saturday afternoon Freeman was meeting with Falcons rival New Orleans Saint, and within a few minutes updated his report that a deal had been made.
On a one-year deal, Freeman will join his former Florida State teammate in Saints quarterback Jameis Winston.
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Falcons Moved on From Freeman Last Offseason
Atlanta made a final decision to let go of their once shining star running back, Devonta Freeman back in March of 2019.
He was originally selected by Atlanta in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. In 2017, after his second Pro Bowl season, the Falcons signed Freeman to a five-year, $41.25 million contract extension and he became the highest-paid running back in the league.
The former explosive running back missed all but two games during the 2018 season due to a groin injury. After finishing the 2019 season with a career-low in yards per carry, the Falcons decided to go in a new direction.
To fill his spot, Atlanta signed Todd Gurley to a one-year deal for the 2020 season and didn’t have him return for the 2021 season. Instead, they turned to former Carolina Panthers back, Mike Davis.
Freeman was picked up by the New York Giants last season where he appeared in five games, getting 61 touches for 230 yards and one touchdown. New York released him following the season and he signed with the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, but never played a game with them.
In seven NFL seasons, Freeman has played 82 games and has 1,005 carries for 4,144 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also has added 264 receptions for 2,073 yards and 11 touchdowns.
NFL Fans Share Their Reaction to Freeman’s Signing
Saints and other NFL fans shared their reactions via Twitter to the Saints the 29-year-old vet.
It’s a good thing the Falcons have an entirely new coaching staff:
They are so desperate to beat the Falcons that they have to try to get inside info smh
— ❄️ (@Alen__1991) July 31, 2021
Freeman’s Pro Bowl days are over:
ashes to ashes. dust to dust.
— the podfather↗️ (@Fantasy_Mansion) July 31, 2021
But that’s O.K., because the Saints still have Alvin Kamara leading the pack:
It has basically 0 impact imo. He won’t cut into Kamara’s work, and Murray was basically useless anyway.
— why are you booing me i’m right (@lukeywafflez) July 31, 2021
I’m guessing the “workout” was pen to paper:
That was a quick workout
— Kyle Thomas (@K8005882300) July 31, 2021
You cannot delete the past, sorry Freeman:
— Lucas (@atlfan0) July 31, 2021
I sense a whole lotta sarcasm:
Ah yes, running back. The position where the Saints are obviously in need of the most help.
— ḰїḓḲя℮◎łε (@KidKreole) July 31, 2021
How can you not be romantic about Atlanta Falcons fans:
Hope he makes the team and gets some game time – Falcons fan
— Brett Spier (@SpierBrett) July 31, 2021
Head on over to Twitter under Schefter’s report if you want to get in on the never-ending discussion.
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