Falcons make Freeman top-paid running back
The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension with Devonta Freeman that makes him the NFL’s highest-paid running back.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that the extension, announced Wednesday, was for $41.25 million, eclipsing the five-year, $40 million deal Buffalo running back LeSean McCoy signed two years ago.
Freeman’s deal includes a $15 million signing bonus and $22 million in guaranteed money.
During his three seasons with the Falcons, the Miami native has racked up 2,383 rushing yards, including 1,000yard rushing seasons in 2015 and 2016. His 3,175 total yards over the past two seasons rank second in the NFL, behind teammate Julio Jones.
“We are very pleased that we were able to get this extension done,” general manager Thomas Dimitroff said in a statement. “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.”
Teaming in the backfield last season with Tevin Coleman, Freeman ranked seventh in the NFL with 1,541 total yards, and his 13 TDs were fifth most among running backs. He earned his second straight Pro Bowl selection.
“This is where I’ve always wanted to be,” Freeman said. “I feel extremely blessed, but the work and grind are just beginning.”
Watson’s debut: Deshaun Watson thrived in his NFL preseason debut, completing 15 of 25 passes for 179 yards and running for a score in the Texans’ 27-17 loss at Carolina on Wednesday night.
Houston’s first-round draft pick looked comfortable in the pocket, stepping up to avoid pressure and getting rid of the football in a timely manner. He didn’t let penalties on his team affect him and didn’t commit a turnover in nearly three quarters of play.
Tom Savage went three-and-out on his first two possessions against Carolina’s first-team defense. Savage had better luck with Carolina’s starters out of the game, completing 8 of 8 passes for 67 yards on his final drive, capped by a 16yard TD run by Alfred Blue.
It was a strong showing for the Panthers’ defensive starters.
“We put ourselves in good third-down situations and we were able to execute and get off the field,” Carolina linebacker Thomas Davis said. “Overall, the first half, the ‘1’s’ definitely had a good showing.”
Carolina backup Derek Anderson looked sharp starting in place of Cam Newton, who’s still resting a sore right shoulder.
Anderson completed 4 of 5 passes for 76 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin.
Benjamin, who reported to training camp in good shape after being overweight in the spring, made a leaping grab in the corner of the end zone to give Carolina the early 7-0 lead.
“I am feeling good again,” Benjamin said. “I am ready to get Cam (Newton) back out there so we can rebuild that chemistry.”
Former Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey had 33 yards on seven carries in his debut with the Panthers. McCaffrey showed impressive quickness and the ability to make defenders miss in his brief action.
It’s a full-time job: The NFL said it will hire 21 to 24 full-time game officials from among its current roster of 124 officials.
“We believe this is a great development for NFL officiating overall and ultimately the quality of our game,” said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations.
Full-timers will be hired at each of the seven officiating positions and may serve on each of the 17 officiating crews.
Unlike in most other pro sports, NFL officials have other jobs.
Briefly: Indianapolis released defensive tackle Kendall Langford after he failed a physical. A knee injury limited Langford to seven games and 10 tackles in 2016 after he started the season with a streak of 129 games played . ... Dallas punter Chris Jones signed a four-year contract extension through 2021.