The Falcons are considering releasing Devonta Freeman, according to NFL insider Ian Rappoport. That would create a void that almost certainly would be filled by a back not currently on the roster.

Freeman signed a five-year extension worth $41.3 million back in 2017, but that contract was signed with the possibility of getting out at this point. Freeman has base salaries of $6.5, $6.3 and $8.3 million the next three years.

Freeman is only 27, but he’s a smaller back (5-8, 206) who’s had problems staying healthy. He missed 14 games in 2018 with knee, foot and groin injuries. He missed two games with a foot injury last year. He’s suffered three concussions during his career, along with hip, knee and hamstring injuries.

Freeman averaged only 3.6 yards per carry last year. That’s not all on him – the offense has changed, and they’ve had some offensive line issues. But Freeman doesn’t seem to be quite as fast, athletic and powerful as he was early in his career. Back in his 2nd year in the league, Freeman was the breakout player of the season, averaging 118 total yards per game, with 13 TDs in the 13 games he started. The Falcons drafted Tevin Coleman that year, but Freeman outplayed him.

In the last 10 years, only 14 running backs have averaged more fantasy points (PPR scoring) per game than Freeman did in the 2015 season.

AVERAGING 20 POINTS PER GAME (last 10 years)
YearPlayerStRunRecTotalTDPPR
2019Christian McCaffrey, Car.1687631501.1929.3
2016LeVeon Bell, Pitt.1210651157.7526.5
2018Todd Gurley, LAR1489411311.5026.3
2017Todd Gurley, LAR1587531401.2725.8
2016David Johnson, Ariz.1677551321.2525.7
2013Jamaal Charles, K.C.1586461321.2725.5
2010Arian Foster, Hou.16101381391.1324.8
2018Saquon Barkley, NYG168245127.9424.0
2018Christian McCaffrey, Car.166954123.8123.8
2011Arian Foster, Hou.139447142.9223.8
2011Ray Rice, Balt.168544129.9423.3
2018Alvin Kamara, N.O.1559471061.2023.2
2014LeVeon Bell, Pitt.168553138.6923.2
2017LeVeon Bell, Pitt.158644130.7323.0
2015Devonta Freeman, Atl.1378401181.0022.8
2018Melvin Gordon, LAC1274411151.1722.6
2014DeMarco Murray, Dall.1611526141.8122.6
2017Alvin Kamara, N.O.1352581091.0022.4
2018Ezekiel Elliott, Dall.159638133.6022.1
2011LeSean McCoy, Phil.1587211081.3322.0
2012Adrian Peterson, Min.1613114145.8121.8
2016Ezekiel Elliott, Dall.15109241331.0721.8
2014Matt Forte, Chi.166551115.6321.7
2018James Conner, Pitt.1375381131.0021.5
2015DeAngelo Williams, Pitt.1080321121.1021.3
2011Fred Jackson, Buff.109344138.6021.3
2013Matt Forte, Chi.168437121.7521.2
2019Dalvin Cook, Min.148137118.9321.2
2010Darren McFadden, Oak.138939128.7721.0
2014Arian Foster, Hou.1396251211.0021.0
2018Kareem Hunt, K.C.1175341091.2720.9
2013LeSean McCoy, Phil.1610034134.6920.8
2017Ezekiel Elliott, Dall.109827125.9020.5

Freeman is good enough that I expect he’ll be a notable part of a backfield somewhere this year, probably splitting time with another capable back. Freeman is a good pass catcher, with experience in pass protection. He had three notable games as a runner last year, running for 88 yards against Indianapolis and Arizona and 84 in a win over Carolina.

The Falcons could convince Freeman to take a pay cut. If they release him, it’s a safe bet they’ll bring in some other capable back, either through the draft or free agency. The Falcons have other roster-worthy backs on their roster, but nobody who looks particularly likely to ever be one of the league’s top 20 running backs – Ito Smith, Brian Hill and Qadree Ollison.

—Ian Allan