Skip to content

Agent: Time for Falcons to pay Freeman 'like the elite back he is'

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The agent for Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is using the attention of Super Bowl week to try to get her client a big raise.

"It's time for the Falcons to pay him like the elite back he is," agent Kristin Campbell told NFL.com's Michael Silver. "I expect them to make him a priority this offseason, as he's been an integral part of the dynamic offense that has gotten them to the Super Bowl."

Freeman has one year remaining on his contract and is due to be paid just $800,000 next season.

A fourth-round pick in 2014, Freeman has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. He's also added 127 catches for more than 1,000 yards receiving and five more touchdowns over that span.

In other words, he has a strong case for a big bump in salary.

The Falcons may be slightly hesitant to pay Freeman like a true elite tailback, however, as he isn't exactly a bell cow. Freeman shares the Falcons' backfield with sophomore Tevin Coleman, and the pair are each a big part of why the Falcons are still playing this season.

Freeman's agent suggested that her client's role in the timeshare is a source of frustration.

"During the season it has been frustrating for Devonta," Campbell said. "He has been trying to establish himself as a top-three back in the league, and yet when you look at his snaps, he gets significantly less opportunity than the others vying to be in that category."

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox