Devonta Freeman starred for six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, but he was always a big fan of the black and gold -- both the team and color scheme.
The veteran running back spoke to the media after his first practice on Monday, days after he reached a deal to join the team.
"I'm excited," Freeman said. "You know, especially being in black and gold, this is almost like a dream come true. It's surreal."
Freeman said he had a handful of team express interest over the offseason, but he was just keeping ready for the right opportunity. That right opportunity came with the team that he always got hyped up to play, he said, in his Falcons days.
Related
"This was our Super Bowl game. Like, this was a big game. You know, other than when we made it to the Super Bowl," Freeman said. "I knew when I come to play the Saints I had to be clicking on our cylinders because their defense was so good -- our defense, now -- but it's cool. I'm just happy for the opportunity."
Freeman played in five games after signing with the New York Giants in the 2020 season, following a season-ending injury to star Saquon Barkley. He ran for 172 yards and touchdown on 54 attempts and was waived on Jan. 7.
Freeman's best seasons came in 2015 and 2016 with the Falcons, when he ran for over 1,000 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, along with more than 450 yards receiving in each year.
The signing reunites Freeman with former Florida State teammates Jameis Winston and PJ Williams, but it was Ty Montgomery that helped clear space for him on the team's roster. Saints coach Sean Payton said Montgomery is being run as a wide receiver, meaning there was room for another running back.
"I’ve been a big fan of his," Payton said. "We’ve seen him a lot. I think it’s a good addition to the running backs room. I really think there’s some versatility he brings and I’m excited about that."
If Freeman makes the regular season roster, he'd likely be in a depth role behind start Alvin Kamara and backfield mate Latavius Murray barring injury. Freeman offers upside as a pass-catching option, but Kamara's elite skills make him the likely option on most third downs, regardless.
Still, whatever Freeman's role, the veteran made it clear on Monday he was excited to fulfill it and help out a team and a coach he's respected for a long time.
"The guys here are just phenomenal. They accepted me," Freeman said. "I'm here to come in and just work and earn whatever my respect and position, whatever I can get."
Related
