Aug 25, 2018; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Devonta Freeman runs out of the locker room and onto the field during pregame against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Could Devonta Freeman decide to retire?

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/25/20

As Adam Maya of NFL.com wrote, reports emerged over the holiday weekend that former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman could skip the entire 2020 season rather than play for a club on what he deems a discount.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport went one step further when speaking about the matter on Monday:

From NFL Now: Former #Falcons RB Devonta Freeman faces a tough reality for a talented veteran, as the prices have plummeted in an offseason like none other. pic.twitter.com/7LgWqO2kVP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 25, 2020

"Could he actually retire? Maybe," Rapoport said. "Probably more likely is that at some point he realizes just to take what he can get.

"A team like the Philadelphia Eagles, who would like to add a veteran running back, but wouldn't like to pay a lot for one, would make a lot of sense."

Per NFL.com, Freeman snubbed a one-year "prove it" deal from the Seattle Seahawks that could have made him up to $4 million. Seattle agreed to terms with Carlos Hyde on Friday.

The days of Freeman existing among the league's elite running backs seem to be in the past. He hasn't rushed for over 1,000 yards since 2016, injury woes cost him all but two regular-season appearances in 2018, and he rushed for a career-worst 3.6 yards per carry last year.

The 28-year-old may need to show he's got some of his prime left in the tank if he wants to get paid what he feels he deserves in 2021.

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