Upbeat Freeman hopes he can get contract extension before camp

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons running back Devonta Freeman looks forward to signing a contract extension, preferably before training camp.

“It’s that feeling when you know something special is coming and you’re about to be blessed,” Freeman told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after minicamp concluded Thursday. “It’s just an exciting moment in time for me right now.”

Freeman is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract and make $1.8 million in 2017. His camp wants him to be paid like an “elite” running back. They made it known during the Super Bowl week and again during free agency.

The Falcons have made it a point, during general manager Thomas Dimitroff’s regime, to extend players in the final year of their contracts in October or November, as they did cornerback Robert Alford and right tackle Ryan Schraeder last season. So, Freeman would normally be up this October or November.

Freeman and Dimitroff don’t see any murky negotiation clouds coming.

“I’m not rushing it, and I’m not impatient,” Freeman said. “I’m just trying to make sure that my business is right as far as being in the best shape of my life. Being healthy, stronger, faster and being better at the same time.”

Freeman, who was a fourth-round pick in 2014 out of Florida State, has put together back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. He had 227 carries for 1,079 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns last season. He also caught 54 passes for 462 yards and two touchdowns.

In his breakout 2015 season, Freeman rushed 265 times for 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 73 passes for 568 yards and three touchdowns.

“I’m just a firm believer that everything is going to get handled at the right time,” Freeman said. “Right now, it’s not like I’m in a bad situation. I’m not hurting for money. This is the most I’ve had in my life.

“I have a great management team to help me manage my money. Help me save and do the right things and stuff. We’re good.”

The Falcons are $6,009,096 million under the salary cap, according to the NFLPA public salary-cap documents.