The Facts: With momentum building toward an impasse, in the same vein of DeAndre Hopkins with the Texans last season, Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff took to the airwaves to set the record straight regarding Freeman's contract situation. "Like I've said before, we want him here and he's a very important part of our organization," Dimitroff said. "He's an urgent, angry runner, which we want and we know is important for us. We want him to be around for years to come and we're confident that we'll be able to get it done."

Diehards Line:As far as when Atlanta intends to pursue an extension or negotiation of some sort with Freeman's representative, Dimitroff said to check back when camp rolls around. As NFL.com notes, the dynamic pairing of Freeman and Tevin Coleman (under contract through 2018) is arguably the most cost-effective backfield in the NFL. With both backs still on their rookie deals, the Falcons paid the duo less than $2 million combined in exchange for historic production in '16 -- 2,482 yards from scrimmage, 24 touchdowns, 6.16 yards/touch -- en route to their first Super Bowl in nearly two decades. Going forward, Freeman looks to be the workhorse back, garnering more carries, more targets and consequently more cash. Does Freeman, a back-to-back 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown back who surrenders one of every three carries to another capable option, warrant that investment? We'll see in July.