The Facts: The Falcons have a potential situation with Freeman. They have been discussing a contract extension in some "good faith" negotiations. A modest-to-very generous increase is definitely in order, but the Falcons own most of the chips like most teams do in NFL negotiations. Freeman's camp wants him to be paid like an "elite" running back. Owner Arthur Blank said on June 26 that things should be done "fairly soon." With camp set to open in a week, there should be some movement on a deal soon.

Diehards Line: Freeman was watching closing as Pittsburgh was not able to reach a long-term deal with Le’Veon Bell. He’s set to play for the $12.12 million franchise tag. The Falcons are under no obligation to extend Freeman, who’s set to make $1.8 million on the final year of his rookie contract in 2017. He could then be franchise tagged for the next two seasons. But the Falcons have remained calm. “It’s not going to be a contentious issue in my mind,” Dimitroff said over the offseason. “It’s going to be one that is going to be fairly quick. We know what the market is and we are confident that we can get something done.” The good news? Some contract clarity is coming.