NFL notes: Falcons make Devonta Freeman league's highest-paid running back

The defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms Wednesday on a five-year, $41.25 million extension with Devonta Freeman, making him the highest-paid running back in the league in terms of the overall package. It includes a $15 million signing bonus and $22 million in guaranteed money.

Buffalo's LeSean McCoy had been the highest-paid back with a five-year, $40 million deal signed in 2015. Pittsburgh's Le'Veon Bell rejected an even bigger deal and will play for $12.12 million franchise tag this season.

During his three seasons with the Falcons, Freeman has racked up 2,383 rushing yards, including back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2015 and 2016. His 3,175 total yards over the past two seasons ranks second in the NFL, behind teammate Julio Jones.

Freeman will make just under $1.8 million is in the final year of a rookie contract he signed as a fourth-round draft pick out of Florida State.

The NFL will hire up to 24 full-time game officials.

The league will begin hiring between 21 and 24 full-time officials from among the current roster of 124 officials for this season. The decision was announced Wednesday.

"We believe this is a great development for NFL officiating overall and ultimately the quality of our game," said Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations. "We share a common goal, which is to make our game as great as it can possibly be, and look forward to working together on this."

• The Indianapolis Colts released defensive tackle Kendall Langford after he failed a physical.

In nine pro seasons, Langford had 369 tackles, 22 sacks, 20 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.

• Vince Wilfork retired after signing a one-day contract with the New England Patriots, where he spent 11 of his 13 seasons, helping New England win two Super Bowls.

The five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans after being selected No. 21 overall by New England in 2004.

• Dallas punter Chris Jones signed a four-year contract extension through 2021, securing the Cowboys' special teams combo with kicker Dan Bailey for at least the next four seasons.

• San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom is expected to be released from the hospital a day after being taken off the practice field by ambulance with a concussion.

The 49ers say Newsom is doing well and was expected to leave Stanford Medical Center on Wednesday afternoon.