The Facts: If a complicated contract extension between the Falcons and Freeman doesn't go down, the 25-year-old star is taking measures to protect himself. NFL Network's Michael Silver reported Friday that Freeman has paid roughly $50,000 for a $10 million insurance policy "protecting him against next season if he and the Falcons, who are trying to hammer out an extension, are unable to get that done."
Diehards Line:
Freeman is seeking a deal in the "double digits (in millions)" per year, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport added. Silver reported that the total compensation has essentially been agreed upon by both sides, though the team and player differ over the money allotted for the first three years of the deal. While negotiations have not been tense, it's clear both sides are working feverishly to get something done before camp and continue to negotiate. A former fourth-round pick, Freeman is woefully underpaid at $1.838 million this season despite being one of the league's premiere running backs. ... Stay tuned.