Falcons' Devonta Freeman: New deal on horizon

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said the Falcons hope to reach agreement with Freeman on a new contract Thursday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports.

Freeman will earn $1.79 million this season, the final year of his rookie contract. Following back-to-back campaigns with at least 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns, the former fourth-rounder is clearly worthy a raise. Falcons management recognizes that it's time to reward Freeman, and in order to avoid a distraction during training camp, they intend to seal a new deal in short order. Although determining Freeman's value is complicated by Steelers tailback Le'Veon Bell's unsuccessful recent pursuit of a long-term contract, the Falcons have consistently maintained confidence in getting a deal done with Freeman, which bodes well for both him and his prospective fantasy owners.