Falcons make Freeman highest- paid RB in league
On the eve of their first preseason game, the Atlanta Falcons addressed their biggest issue entering training camp.
Running back Devonta Freeman has a new contract.
The Falcons and Freeman agreed to terms Wednesday on a five- year, $ 41.25 million extension, making him the highest- paid running back in the league in terms of the overall package. The deal includes a $ 15 million signing bonus and $ 22 million in guaranteed money.
The Buffalo Bills’ LeSean McCoy had been the highest- paid running back with a five- year, $ 40 million deal signed in 2015. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell rejected an even bigger deal and will play for the $ 12.12 million franchise tag this season.
In his three seasons with the Falcons, Freeman has racked up 2,383 rushing yards, including back- toback 1,000- yard seasons in 2015 and 2016. His 3,175 total yards in the last two seasons rank second in the NFL to Falcons receiver Julio Jones.
Ex- 49ers CB Brock cleared
Prosecutors said domesticviolence charges against former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tramaine Brock were dropped because of insufficient evidence. The 49ers released Brock a day after the alleged incident April 6.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported felony charges filed in June were dropped Tuesday because prosecutors said the victim didn’t want to cooperate.
Officials said Brock punched and tried multiple times to strangle his girlfriend during a dispute about what to watch on television. Prosecutors said one of the strangling attempts occurred as she carried their 1- year- old child.
In other 49ers news, the team said rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom was released from the hospital a day after being taken off the practice field by ambulance with a concussion.
WR Bryant takes another step
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant has been cleared to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.
Bryant missed the entire 2016 season while serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s substanceabuse policy. He was conditionally reinstated by the league in April and took part in organized team activities and minicamp.
NFL to hire full- time officials
The NFL announced it will hire between 21 and 24 full- time game officials from among the current roster of 124 officials for this season.
Full- time officials will be hired at each of the seven positions and may serve on each of the 17 crews. They will work collaboratively with their assigned crews, the league officiating staff and the NFL’s footballrelated committees in the offseason.
Sun- Times wires