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Falcons, Freeman agree on 5-year extension

By AccessWDUN
Posted 9:31AM on Wednesday 9th August 2017 ( 6 years ago )

FLOWERY BRANCH — The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with running back Devonta Freeman on a five-year contract extension.

"We are very pleased that we were able to get this extension done," General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said. "Devonta embodies everything we are looking for in a Falcon, and we are proud that he'll be able to spend his career here in Atlanta."

During his three seasons with the Falcons, the Miami native has racked up 2,383 rushing yards, including back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2015 and 2016. The last two seasons, Freeman bounced on the scene by becoming a major threat with his ability to not only run, but also to catch out of the backfield and split out wide as a receiver. His 3,175 total yards over the past two seasons ranks second in the NFL, behind his teammate, Julio Jones.

Last season, Freeman totaled 1,541 total yards – seventh in the NFL – and 13 total touchdowns, which was the fifth most touchdowns in the NFL among running backs. Those numbers helped the former Florida State Seminole earn his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Also, last year Freeman became the ninth Falcon with two seasons of 10-or-more touchdowns. He also is the only player in the NFL over the last two years who has three games with three rushing touchdowns. In 2016, two of his 13 total touchdowns came through the air, moving him to six career receiving touchdowns, which is tied for the fifth most by a running back in franchise history.

"This is where I've always wanted to be," Freeman said. "I want to thank Mr. Blank, Thomas and Coach Quinn for all of their support. I feel extremely blessed, but the work and grind are just beginning."

Freeman has seven multi-touchdown games for his career, and he’s recorded back-to-back multi-touchdown games twice in his career.

Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs past a defender during a game in 2016. Freeman and the Falcons agreed to a new five-year contract extension on Wednesday.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2017/8/568670/falcons-freeman-agree-on-5-year-extension

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