Atlanta Falcons cutting Devonta Freeman would be good business

Running back Devonta Freeman could reportedly be parting ways with the Atlanta Falcons, which would be a savvy move by the organization.

Coming off of back-to-back 1,000-yard and 11-touchdowns seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, running back Devonta Freeman signed a five-year, $41.25 million extension prior to the 2017 season. Thomas Dimitroff and Atlanta clearly believed they’d found their core running back in the Florida State product. But the results since then have been less than desirable.

In the ensuing 2017 season, Freeman was limited to 14 games and put up a solid 865 yards rushing with seven scores along with 317 receiving yards. But the following year, injuries limited him to only two games. Then, in the 2019 campaign, Freeman struggled to perform and stay healthy again, playing in 14 games and averaging only 3.6 yards per carry, though he did end up with 410 receiving yards and six total touchdowns.

But as the Falcons enter the 2020 offseason, they are in a tough spot. The roster needs improvement coming off of a 7-9 season but they are in a poor financial situation, ranking 29th in the NFL in effective salary cap space at $4.782 million, per Over the Cap.

And with the potential to save $3.5 million in 2020, $6.25 million in 2021 and $8.25 million in 2022 by cutting Freeman this offseason, according to Spotrac, that starts to become an attractive option for the Atlanta front office to pursue. As NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Wednesday, that is apparently in the cards.

Rapaport called Freeman’s future with the Falcons “up in the air” and, frankly, it makes sense. From a business perspective given the money he’s due versus his contributions and with the organization’s financial situation in play, it makes sense to save money and invest elsewhere.

As talented as we’ve seen Freeman be in his career, he’ll be 28 years old when the 2020 NFL season kicks off, which is an age where many running backs start to decline in performance. Paying Freeman close to $10 million per year to possibly decline after two down years is not exactly the greatest move for a team that’s cap-strapped.

If that weren’t enough, the Falcons could also be eyeing the 2020 NFL Draft where a loaded running back class awaits. They could land players like Cam Akers, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Zack Moss or Eno Benjamin on Day 2 of the draft, pay him less than what Freeman is set to make and also get a player that can contribute as much if not more than Freeman would.

Let’s also not forget about Ito Smith, as well. Smith may not be ready to take over as an every-down player but he’s a valuable and effective offensive asset that, when paired with a young rookie, could form a part of a 1-2 punch out of the backfield.

Freeman would surely find work elsewhere in the league if the Falcons were to let him loose. But that doesn’t mean Atlanta shouldn’t make this move. The team needs to save money and his production is ultimately replaceable quite easily. It’s just savvy business for a team that needs cost-effective solutions this offseason.