Edgerrin James Advices Falcons To Pay Devonta Freeman

The Atlanta Falcons and running back Devonta Freeman have been trying to come to a contract agreement since the end of last season, but still haven’t been able to reach an agreement.

On Monday, the former Pro Bowler told ESPN that Freeman reached out to him for some advice on his contract situation.

When asked what he told Freeman, James said, “At the end of the day, usually that stuff takes care of itself. He’s got good people, a good team around him. He’s got his agent. And you don’t let it distract you from being a football player. If he does his part as a football player, everything else will take care of itself.”

After rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons, the 2014 fourth round pick from Florida State is expected to receive a long-term contract from the Falcons.

In the past two seasons, Freeman has a total of 3,175 yards from scrimmage and 27 combined touchdowns. He is scheduled to make $1.8 million this season if both sides can’t come to an agreement.

Despite both sides being at an impasse, Freeman said he isn’t going to holdout and will be there when training camp begins on Wednesday. He told reporters that he will remain patient with the process and let his agent handle the contract negotiations.

James, who was picked fourth in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts, was a 21-day holdout as a rookie before signing a seven year contract worth $49 million.

Even though he did it as a rookie, James said he wouldn’t recommend Freeman take the same path especially since both sides seem to want to get a long-term deal done.

“It’s not even a risk for the team; it’s one of those safe bets,” James said. “Hopefully they lock him in and take good care of him there in Atlanta.”