Yahoo Finance Report: Falcons to release former Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman
The Atlanta Falcons are parting ways with running back Devonta Freeman. The team intends to release Freeman, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The move would save the Falcons more than $3 million.
Freeman, 28, performed like a star early in his career. He made consecutive Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016 and rushed for 2,135 yards and 22 touchdowns over the period. He also had 1,045 receiving yards and added five receiving touchdowns.
Devonta Freeman has been hit hard by injuries
Injuries have hampered Freeman significantly in recent seasons. While he played in 14 games in 2017, Freeman dealt with two concussions that season. He rushed for 865 yards and seven touchdowns. Freeman also played through an MCL sprain that postseason.
Freeman went into the 2018 season looking to bounce back, but things didn’t go as planned. He suffered a knee injury in September, and had season-ending hernia surgery in October.
He returned to the Falcons in 2019 but struggled to produce. He rushed for 656 yards and just two touchdowns in 14 games.
Freeman could be a worthwhile gamble on the free-agent market
At 28, Freeman is still young enough to turn in a few solid seasons before age-related decline starts to set in. The injuries — and lack of recent performance — will make Freeman a high-upside lottery ticket this offseason.
His best seasons may be behind him, but Freeman could prove to be a useful addition for a team if he can finally shake the injuries that have held him back the past few seasons.
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