NFL contracts can have a large impact on not only the players signing them, but also their counterparts across the league. When ever a marquee name gets paid there is a trickle down effect. This year is no different. The latest contract negotiations between the Arizona Cardinals, and running back Devonta Freeman are sure to turn the RB pay scale on its ear. Especially for one specific Pennsylvania runner looking to re-up.
Where the bar was set.
The Falcons star half back set the bar pretty high when it comes to what a top tier back will be making. Freeman walked away with a 5 year extension worth 41.25 million dollars. This includes over $12 million in guarantees. Despite the hefty price tag Freeman is worth every penny. He has accumulated more than 1500 yards from scrimmage and no less than 13 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. Impressive stats to say the least.
The Domino Effect
However there is a back who has made an even larger impact who is hoping that Freeman’s pay day will open up the door for him to get paid. Le’Veon Bell has been holding out for a new deal and can only hope with Freeman’s deal his price tag just went up. Bell when healthy has clearly out performed his Falcon counterpart and he knows it. He contributed to more total yards and accounted for more of his teams offensive work load.
What can Bell Expect?
Bell, when all is said and done can expect to get no less than the figure Devonta Freeman was given. He is the better all around back and pivitol to Pittsburgh’s title chances. While the Steelers will try to play hard ball, eventually they will come to the conclusion they need him. Bell will be the league’s highest paid rusher and he has Freeman’s big deal to thank for it.
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Final Thoughts
The Devonta Freeman contract extension is the kind of deal players can’t wait to see. It sets the market value and allows those with upper echelon production like Bell to have more bargaining power. The NFL after all is a business and a dangerous one at that. The shelf life of the average running back is a little under 3 seasons. So you can’t fault players for wanting to maximize their potential earnings. It only takes one deal to set the mark and as long as that’s the case we’ll forever hear that familiar sound of the brinks truck backing up.