Devonta Freeman gave the Saints plenty of headaches during his six seasons with the Falcons. A two-time Pro Bowl performer during his time in Atlanta, Freeman will try to give his old team fits during the 2021 season. The veteran running back has come to terms on a one-year deal with the Saints, according to Freeman's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Freeman came to terms shortly after visiting the Saints on Saturday.
A key cog in the Falcons' offense during the mid-2010s, Freeman has battled through injuries since the start of the 2018 season. He missed 14 games that year before rebounding to post over 1,000 all-purpose yards during his final season in Atlanta. An ankle injury, however, contributed to Freeman appearing in just five games during his lone season with the Giants in 2020. He spent the 2020 postseason on the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.
Freeman was known for his rushing and receiving prowess during his years in Atlanta. Freeman will share a backfield with Alvin Kamara, who is arguably the NFL's most versatile running back. A Pro Bowl selection in each of his first four seasons, Kamara set career highs in rushing yards (932), receptions (83), all-purpose yards (1,688) and touchdowns (21) last season. With Drew Brees enjoying retirement and Michael Thomas recovering from ankle surgery, the Saints are expected to lean even more on their running game, which also includes veterans Latavius Murray (656 yards last season) and Ty Montgomery.
If he makes the 53-man roster, Freeman will face his former team for the first time in Week 9. He and his new teammates will finish the 2021 regular season at Atlanta in Week 18.
