Devonta Freeman is one of the best running backs in the NFL, and on Wednesday, the Atlanta Falcons paid him like one with a five-year extension.
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has been one of the best in the NFL at his position over the past two seasons, helping the Falcons make it to the Super Bowl in 2016. However, he has not been paid like one, and the organization put an end to that on Wednesday. Freeman signed a five-year extension with the team which will pay him $41.25 million in a deal that makes sense for both sides.
Marvin Lewis suffered a minor health scare this week, but he is back with the Cincinnati Bengals. At first believed to be something serious, Lewis has bounced back quickly and will coach the team in its Friday preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lewis is entering his 15th year at the helm of the Bengals and would like nothing more than to win his first playoff game as the team’s head coach.
Mike Williams was the first-round selection of the Los Angeles Chargers, their first selection since moving over from San Diego. However, he injured his back on the first day of the Chargers mini-camp back in May, and has yet to participate since. Orginally expected to be out the entire year, Williams is back running, which is a great sign for Chargers fans who are hoping for a good first year in L.A.
Martavis Bryant is a very talented wide receiver, but he can’t seem to keep himself on the field. Suspended for the entire 2016 season for a violation of the league’s policy on substances of abuse, Bryant was conditionally reinstated in April. The team is hoping that he will be reinstated soon, which is likely to happen, and he will then slide in as the team’s No. 2 wide receiver behind Antonio Brown.
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Finally, the NFL is making their officials more than just part-time help. Out of the 124 officials currently employed by the National Football League, 24 will be getting signing on as full-time employees. The goal is to bring a better product to the officiating in the NFL, and the league will look at ways to improve that during off-field hours for the full-time officials this upcoming season, and next offseason.