The New York Giants placed star running back Saquon Barkley on season-ending injured reserve on Tuesday and will reportedly sign former Atlanta Falcons Pro Bowler Devonta Freeman to help fill the void.
There you go. #Giants are landing FA RB Devonta Freeman, pending tests. And he’ll have more than enough opportunities to re-establish himself. https://t.co/nOkQCGLH4j
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 22, 2020
Freeman, 28, has rushed for 1,000 yards twice in his career and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (11) in 2015. He is also a valuable pass-catcher, grabbing 59 passes for 410 yards and four touchdowns with Atlanta last season.
Freeman had visited the Philadelphia Eagles over the weekend but came away without a contract. Many teams had stayed away from Freeman most likely because he is not considered to be the same explosive player he once was due to injuries.
Freeman will likely join a committee of Dion Lewis and Wayne Gallman until he can find his niche in the Giants’ offense. Many believe Freeman is very similar in style to Lewis and may not add much more than depth at this point.
Freeman still has to pass the COVID tests and physical but if all goes well, he’s expected to join the Giants before their Week 3 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
