Arthur Blank has expressed confidence that a long-term deal will soon be reached with Devonta Freeman.

During an appearance on Atlanta's 92.9 The Game, Blank praised Freeman for being an integral part of the franchise.

Freeman is going into the final year of his rookie contract and is due to make $1.797 million in 2017.

Thomas Dimitroff has said numerous times he expects something will be worked out with Freeman leading into training camp in late July.

"As far as No. 24 is concerned, I think Freeman -- actually just sent me a text the other day about something -- he is the kind of person you want to have on your team for all the right reasons," Blank said. "He's a great player. He's a great individual. He's cares about the community. He cares about his teammates. He's very responsive to coaching. There's nothing about Devonta that I don't love.

"And I know that Thomas is working hard with him and his agent (Kristin Campbell). I feel very confident that we'll be able to work out something with him for a long-term solution, fairly soon I think. It's just a matter of timing. You can't do all these big deals all at once; not even for financial reasons but they take time. ... The relationship we have with the player is critical. It was with Desmond (Trufant). It will definitely be that way with Devonta. It will be that way in the future with any of our other players as they come up."

Devonta Freeman believes he lost the chance to be named MVP of this past Super Bowl.

"I hate to go there, but I was supposed to be the MVP this year of the Super Bowl, but it's all good, we got another shot," the Atlanta Falcons running back said.

The Falcons held a 28-3 lead over the New England Patriots late in February's big game before watching Tom Brady led a historic comeback.

"I don't want to make this no competition thing with me and my quarterback [Matt Ryan, the NFL MVP]. I'm just talking about from based off that game. Let's [say] it like this: If I would have kept getting the ball, if I would have stayed in the game, I don't know why I got out of the game actually.

"But if I would have stayed in the game, I would have got MVP. I'm looking at my stats and I see my numbers didn't lie. Look at my numbers," he said.

Freeman had 75 yards rushing on 11 carries, including a 5-yard touchdown run. He also had two catches for 46 yards. But he had just five rushes for 4 yards in the second half and overtime.

Brady was named the MVP of the game.

Devonta Freeman expects to agree to a contract extension with the Atlanta Falcons soon.

Freeman is entering the final year of his contract, which will pay him $1.8 million.

"It's that feeling when you know something special is coming, and you're about to be blessed," he said. "It's just an exciting moment in time for me right now."

The running back had 1,634 yards from scrimmage in 2015 and 1,541 in 2016. Seventeen running backs are scheduled to make more during the 2017 season.

The Atlanta Falcons will honor Michael Vick and Roddy White with a retirement news conference and ceremony on Monday.

"We consider all former Falcons to be Falcons for life, and part of our family," Arthur Blank said in a statement. "Both men have made a huge impact on my family, our franchise and this city, and we are thrilled to be able to honor both Roddy and Michael's wishes to retire as Falcons and celebrate their careers."

Neither player will sign a one-day contract to retire with the team or take a current roster spot to signify their retirement.

"We do not need a contract in place to consider them a part of our family and honor their decision to retire as a Falcon," Blank said.

Dwight Freeney says he has spoken to the Atlanta Falcons about playing another season.

The defender is optimistic that things will work out for a 16th season.

The Falcons drafted Takkarist McKinley in the first round last month and Freeney would give him a veteran mentor for his rookie season.