Report: Falcons had serious trade talks with Lions about Devonta Freeman

The Falcons were quiet as Tuesday’s trade deadline came and went. Despite rumors that the team would trade Vic Beasley, Desmond Trufant and Devonta Freeman, the only move Atlanta made was releasing kicker Matt Bryant and signing Younghoe Koo to replace him.

Apparently, the Detroit Lions were seriously interested in acquiring Freeman.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the two teams discussed a possible trade for the running back at length before ultimately deciding not to make a deal:

An intriguing would-be trade that was heavily discussed over the past week, but didn’t end up happening: #Falcons RB Devonta Freeman to the #Lions. DET inquired, the sides talked about a possible deal at length, but ultimately, Atlanta just decided they didn’t want to trade him.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 30, 2019

It’s unclear what the Lions, who are without their starting RB Kerryon Johnson due to a knee injury, were willing to give up for Freeman.

Whatever the offer included clearly wasn’t enough, though, and the Falcons were content to hold on to their starting running back for now.

Atlanta is 1-7 this season, but may not be ready to blow up its roster just yet.