Eagles now clear-cut favorites for Devonta Freeman after LeSean McCoy signs with Buccaneers
The options are dwindling for free-agent running back Devonta Freeman.
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It was expected that former Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowl running back Devonta Freeman would have signed with a team by now with clubs having reported to training camps and Freeman's new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, saying he was on a "mission" to have his client signed by late July. At this point, it seems very, very likely that Freeman will end up with the Philadelphia Eagles in the wake of his other rumored top suitor, the Tampa Bay Bucs, signing LeSean McCoy on Thursday.
Philadelphia was also interested in brining back McCoy, who played for Philly from 2009-2014 and led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns in 2011 and with 1,607 yards in 2013. The 32-year-old is nowhere near that guy these days, rushing for 465 yards and four TDs on 101 carries last year for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs and adding 28 catches for 181 yards and a score.
Interestingly, McCoy's agent is also Rosenhaus. McCoy will factor into the mix in Tampa with presumed starter Ronald Jones, rookie third-round pick Ke'Shawn Vaughn (although he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week) and third-down back Dare Ogunbowale. McCoy might be used most in the passing game, as since 2009 he ranks second among all running backs with 503 catches and third in receiving yards with 3,797. Tom Brady loves to throw to his backs.
As for the Eagles, they want veteran insurance behind second-year running back Miles Sanders. Coach Doug Pederson long utilized multi-back systems. With McCoy off the board, the only realistic free-agent options for Philly are Freeman – Rosenhaus has a good relationship with Philly GM Howie Roseman – or Lamar Miller. However, Miller missed all of last season with the Texans due to a torn ACL.
McCoy got just over $1 million on a one-year deal with the Bucs. Freeman earlier this spring turned down $4 million from the Seattle Seahawks, which played a part in his former agent terminating their relationship. Freeman also had reached out publicly to the Bucs to negotiate a contract. There's no chance Freeman gets anything approaching $4 million now as his leverage is gone.
One new entry into the potential Freeman sweepstakes: Kansas City, now that tailback Damien Williams has opted out of the season. Freeman has plenty of experience in a pass-heavy offense and could help serve as a mentor for rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Via SportsLine NFL oddsmakers: Which team will sign Devonta Freeman?
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