Report: Freeman willing to sit out season if contract demands aren't met

Former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman is prepared to sit out the 2020 season if he doesn't receive a satisfactory free-agent offer, according to NFL Network's Michael Silver.

Freeman has invested his money well and saved much of the income he's earned thus far. Financially, he does not have to play. His current mentality is that he won't play if he doesn't get an offer that reflects what he believes his value is. https://t.co/CCfydyL3F8

- Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) May 22, 2020

The Seattle Seahawks were apparently eyeing Freeman, but the veteran rejected the team's offer. Seattle pivoted to Carlos Hyde, reportedly signing him Friday to a one-year deal worth up to $4 million to back up Chris Carson.

Freeman was the NFL's highest-paid running back after signing a five-year, $41.25-million deal in August 2017.

But he was released three years into the deal after struggling in 2019. He finished the campaign with 656 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games.

Freeman had back-to-back 1,000-yard, 11-touchdown seasons from 2015-16, but hasn't played in all 16 regular-season games since 2016.

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