Falcons owner Arthur Blank said on CBS Atlanta's 92.9 The Game that he's confident the team will reach an agreement with Freeman on a long-term contract soon, ESPN's Vaughn McClure reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman, who is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, has totaled over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and at least 13 touchdowns in both of the past two seasons. Given that production, the 2014 fourth-rounder is clearly more valuable than the $1.797 million he's scheduled to earn this season. With both Freeman's representatives and the Falcons recognizing that, it's anticipated that the 25-year-old will ink a lucrative extension with the franchise before long, which would work to eliminate a potential distraction during training camp.

Freeman was in attendance for the start of the Falcons' offseason workout program Monday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman is currently entering the final year of his rookie contract, which is good for under $2 million this season. After joining the Falcons as a fourth-round pick in 2014, Freeman has totaled over 3,000 yards of offense and 27 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Although Atlanta also boasts Tevin Coleman in its backfield, Freeman is surely worth more than he's slated to earn this year, but knowing both he and the Falcons' openness to a long-term extension, he won't complicate matters by skipping workouts.

Freeman intends to be in attendance for the Falcons' offseason program, which kicks off Monday, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

EDGE Analysis

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Freeman has mentioned a desire to stick in Atlanta, and general manager Thomas Dimitroff has reciprocated, stating that he expects discussions on an extension to happen before training camp, according to Alex Marvez of The Sporting News. Indeed, one domino has already fallen with regard to the Falcons' upcoming salary obligations with Desmond Trufant's (pectoral) recent extension, paving the way for Dimitroff and Freeman's representation to explore one for the running back. Although one sticking point in negotiations could be the presence of another dynamic running back, Tevin Coleman, also in the backfield, Freeman will show a commitment to the team by his participation at the voluntary portion of offseason workouts, which include strength and conditioning at the outset.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff suggested that Freeman could get a contract extension this summer, Alex Marvez of The Sporting News reports. "We will address this," Dimitroff said. "When you look at our history, we address these situations going into training camp. I'm throwing that out there as a general timeline. I don't know when that exactly will be, but I'm confident that something can get wrapped up and he's going to be part of us for years to come."

EDGE Analysis

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Freeman might be considered expendable due to the presence of fellow running back Tevin Coleman. It seems the Falcons believe otherwise, as GM Thomas Dimitroff has discussed a possible extension at least twice this offseason. Dimitroff previously said Freeman's contract situation would be addressed once the team worked out terms with cornerback Desmond Trufant, who agreed to a five-year extension on Saturday. With Trufant's contract out of the way, Freeman should be the top priority for the reigning NFC champs. It is quite possible the two sides will be far apart on financial terms, as Coleman's presence on the roster could make the Falcons hesitant to pay Freeman like one of the top running backs in the league -- even though he's only 25 years old and is coming off back-to-back seasons with 1,500 or more scrimmage yards and 13 or more touchdowns.

Freeman said he has no intentions of leaving Atlanta as he prepares for the final season of his rookie contract, NFL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even though Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Freeman won't get a new deal during the current free agent period, both sides have made it clear they want to stay together for at least one more season. Dimitroff didn't rule out the possibility of an extension before the season starts, but it does seem CB Desmond Trufant is the team's first priority in contract discussions. While the emergence of Tevin Coleman arguably makes Freeman expendable, the Falcons didn't have much trouble finding room for both running backs to contribute during their march to the Super Bowl last season. Expect the duo to reprise their roles for at least one more year, with Freeman leading the way and Coleman serving as a valuable complement.

Freeman gained 75 yards on 11 carries and gathered in both of his targets for 46 yards in the Falcons' 34-28 Super Bowl LI overtime loss to the Patriots.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman had a knack for splashy plays on the season's biggest stage, ripping off a 37-yard rush on the Falcons' first offensive play and taking a short pass 39 yards to get Atlanta out of unfavorable field position in the fourth quarter. However, he also whiffed on a blocking assignment in the the final period with the Falcons holding a 28-12 edge, allowing the Patriots' Dont'a Hightower to get a clean shot on Matt Ryan. The sack caused a fumble that gave New England the ball at the Atlanta 25-yard line, lead to a touchdown that brought the Patriots one step closer to what was the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. Despite the disappointing conclusion to the season, Freeman followed up strong 2015 sophomore campaign with an even better 1,079 rushing yards, while also equaling his 11 rushing touchdowns from the previous season.

Freeman rushed 14 times for 42 yards, and caught four of five targets for 42 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 44-21 NFC championship win over the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Atlanta's running game was bottled up for most of this one, but Freeman still managed to find the end zone through the air from four yards out. While he got 14 carries to Tevin Coleman's 11, it was Coleman who scored the game's only rushing touchdown by a running back from three yards out. Their timeshare has worked well enough to get to the Super Bowl, so expect both young running backs to be heavily involved in Houston.

Freeman totaled 125 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's divisional round win over the Seahawks.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman ran for 45 yards and a touchdown and hauled in four receptions for 80 yards in a break out game against Seattle. Although Tevin Coleman was the more effective runner, Freeman led the team with 80 receiving yards. He'll need to have another big game if the Falcons hope to earn a Super Bowl berth when they face the Packers on Sunday.

Freeman rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and added 81 yards on five catches in Sunday's win over the Saints.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman had over 100 total yards after the Falcons' first two drives, posting catches of 13 and 35 yards in the team's opening drive and then rumbling for a 75-yard touchdown in the team's second possession. Tevin Coleman, when healthy, has been a talented enough complement to Freeman to prevent dominance like Freeman displayed early last year. He's still managed seven games with at least 100 total yards this season - including thrice in the last five weeks.

Freeman rushed 13 times for 53 yards, and caught all eight of his targets for 35 more in Saturday's 33-16 win over the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Freeman led the Falcons in targets and receptions as quarterback Matt Ryan checked down often en route to a season-high 81.8 percent completion percentage. The third-year man out of Florida St. is averaging a career-high 4.6 yards per carry, and needs just 73 yards to equal last season's rushing total of 1,056 despite the emergence of Tevin Coleman alongside him in the backfield. Freeman's also second only to Theo Riddick among running backs with 122 catches since the start of the 2015 campaign.