The Falcons and Lions discussed a Devonta Freeman trade, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The Lions inquired on the running back, and the two sides spoke at length, but the Falcons ultimately decided against parting with him. 
A former fourth-round pick, Freeman became the Falcons’ starter in his second season and made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2015 and 2016. Then, in 2017, the Falcons signed him to a five-year, $41.25MM extension.
Freeman lost the bulk of 2018 due to injury and he hasn’t looked like his old self thus far in 2019. In eight games, Freeman has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. Through the air, he’s got 35 catches for 272 yards and three scores.
Then again, the entire Falcons offense seems to be sagging. The Lions are among the many Freeman believers out there, but, ultimately, they could not come to terms on a would-be blockbuster.
The Falcons are still optimistic about Freeman, but they’re also realistic about the financial constraints. The 27-year-old’s signing bonuses are on the books through 2021 and that’s a serious barrier to moving on from him.
Absolutely shame we couldn’t deal him…. he’s not even that good, good offensive line or not, he’s really only had one good year and he had a solid backup to share the load. Idk, should have dumped what we could and get whatever in return.
Should have kept Tevin Coleman
This trade seems like it could have been good for both teams? Shame it didn’t get done
Give up draft capital for a washed up, injury prone RB? His best days are behind him.
I’m so glad lions didn’t do this. The seasons over for them anyways. Get a RB in the draft.
This is sad definitely should have happened
Poor trade deadline for the Falcons. Would have been wise to deal Freeman, Beasley, Trufant for salary relief and draft picks (however low the picks might have been). Hated to see Sanu go but they did well picking up a 2nd rounder. Hate to even say it out loud but they should do their due diligence and see what they can get for Julio in the offseason. This team is a mess and will only get worse in the next few years. Personally don’t see retooling working. Time for a rebuild.
I understand the sentiment but disagree. Freeman, Beasley, and trufant ok, but not Julio. We’re in the twilight of Ryan’s prime and can’t assume another good QB will be found right away after him. Gotta keep a weapon like Julio and give him a chance to make a run in a year or two. One really good draft and a great offensive coach could give this team one more shot at a winner. I just think it’s too early to give up on that, and they won’t get enough to replace Julio in the window they Ryan is still something resembling elite.
dealing julio and freeman would of killed our cap number and we would have a lot of dead money on our hands. this year didnt work out. they prolly kept freeman thinking to go at it next year. if next year fails, they will cut him. im def interested in what we would of got from the lions if we dealt him. like maybe it could of been a 1st round pick…