Falcons, Trufant close in on new deal

The Falcons are close to finalizing a lucrative contract extension for Pro Bowl cornerback Desmond Trufant.

Negotiations between the Falcons and Trufant’s representatives will likely be finalized before the weekend. Trufant’s deal is expected to reach the $12 million to $14 million per-year range, just less than the five-year, $75 million deal the Redskins signed Josh Norman to last season.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Trufant was the team’s No. 1 offseason priority a month ago and has continued to repeat that point. He said the team will deal with running back Devonta Freeman’s request for a new contract at the “appropriate time.”

The Falcons are also moving into their next tier of players for extensions. They agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal with backup quarterback Matt Schaub, according to ESPN. But fullback Patrick DiMarco has agreed to a four-year, $8.5 million deal with Buffalo, according to NFL Media.

Trufant, 26, was selected in the first-round of the 2013 draft. He started immediately as a rookie and was named to the Pro Bowl in his third season.

Last season, Trufant was having a fine year matched up with the opponent’s No. 1 receiver weekly before suffering a season-ending torn pectoral injury after nine games.

The Falcons are also trying to resign safety Kemal Ishmael and tight end Levine Toilolo.