The Facts: The reshaping of the Falcons' roster already began with the team’s decision not to renegotiate a new contract with defensive end Vic Beasley Jr., the eighth overall pick in the 2015 draft. Other tough decisions are looming, including whether to re-sign two-time Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper to a top-tier deal while up against the salary cap and whether to keep two-time Pro Bowl running back Freeman on the roster with three years and $21 million remaining on his deal. Freeman understands the business, but part of the reason he wants to remain in Atlanta is his love for owner Arthur Blank. “Well, I love him, too," Blank said of Freeman. "But this has nothing to do with love. It has to do with building a roster."

Diehards Line: Dropping Freeman would leave $6 million of dead money on the cap while freeing up $3.5 million for the team to work with this offseason. Blank said he has “no idea” if General Manager Thomas Dimitroff will go that route, but adds that his affection for Freeman won’t factor into the team’s ultimate decision about which path to follow. Freeman missed all but two games in 2018 due to a groin injury and posted a career-low yards per carry during the 2019 season, which has helped fuel thoughts that the Falcons run game is going to move in a different direction this year.