Prior to the 2014 NFL season, Antone Smith was merely a name buried on the Atlanta Falcons roster. However, a breakout season led to the running back being a leader of the scoring pack for the team and is now hoping to keep that relationship going for years to come. Smith enjoyed a lot of success with Atlanta in 2014 before breaking his leg and ending his season early. Currently preparing for free agency, Smith is only looking at the Falcons as an option.
There were not many bright spots for the Falcons' 2014 season, but Smith was certainly one of them. The running back put up five touchdowns on just 36 carries while averaging 49 yards per scoring play. There was no question he was the earlier candidate for MVP before getting injured. Now with an expiring contract, Smith is hopeful the Falcons remember those explosive plays he put up and sign him to an extension.
"Who wouldn't want to be a Falcon?" Smith said, via ESPN.com. "Heck yeah, I want to be here. I can't do too much right now. It's about getting strength back in the leg. It was a broken tibia. I have no idea when I'm going to start running again. But my thought is, I'm always going to be confident in myself. I'll be back to full strength. That system can fit any back. The sky's the limit in that system. If I am a Falcon, that would be my pedigree right there."
The Falcons must make re-signing Smith a priority. Head coach Dan Quinn and offensive coordinate Kyle Shanahan have stated their belief in Devonta Freeman as being a starting back, but they cannot rely on just him alone. The chances Steven Jackson gets released are high as a salary cap casualty. Jacquizz Rodgers is not expected to ink a new deal. That leaves Freeman as the lone back. Smith would be low risk, high reward for Atlanta. He will command a high-priced contract, but will put up the yards to make a deal worth it.
Outside of Freeman and Smith, the Falcons are getting linked to some big names approaching free agency. Baltimore Ravens star Justin Forsett is a top priority. DeMarco Murray is being considered a long shot. Mark Ingram or Knowshon Moreno are affordable options. The Falcons have some decisions to make, but an easy one should be giving Smith a new contract.
