Falcons Make Devonta Freeman Highest-Paid Running Back In NFL With Long-Term Extension

The Atlanta Falcons have signed running back Devonta Freeman to a five-year extension that will make him the highest-paid running back in the NFL, according to NFL Network's Mike Silver.

The Atlanta Falcons and two-time Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman have agreed to a five-year contract extension that makes him the NFL's highest-paid running back, a source informed of the situation told NFL Network's Michael Silver. The extension pays out $41.25 million.

The former Florida State standout will take home an annual average of $8.25 million over the life of the deal. That's more than any other running back, pending Le'Veon Bell's anticipated acceptance of a one-year, $12.1-million offer from the Pittsburgh Steelers. (The Steelers used their franchise tag on Bell, but he has thus far declined to sign and remains away from training camp.)

$22 million of the $41.25 million is guaranteed. Freeman had expressed his desire for a new deal prior to the Super Bowl, but negotiations between the two sides stalled last month because Freeman wanted "elite running back" money, which he ended up getting.

The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie contract and was prepared to hit the open market after the season if an extension wasn't agreed to. 

Freeman rushed for 1,079 yards and 11 touchdowns on 227 carries while catching 54 passes for 462 yards and two more scores last season. He is the only player in the league to rush for at least 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of the last two years.

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