The Atlanta Falcons and running back Bijan Robinson have agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history with an annual average salary of $22.25 million, according to reports. The deal includes $51 million guaranteed and $37 million at signing, surpassing the previous record held by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million annually).
The agreement was finalized during the Falcons' training camp, ending speculation about Robinson's future with the team. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris confirmed the contract in a press briefing, stating, "We’re excited to have Bijan locked in for the long term."
Market Reset Triggers New Contract Talks
Robinson’s deal resets the market for running backs, prompting immediate reactions from other teams with star backs on expiring contracts. Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts, currently earning $14 million per year (the eighth-highest among NFL running backs), has expressed interest in a new extension after Robinson’s contract was announced. Taylor, in his final year under his current deal, told reporters, "Hopefully, I gotta go talk to my agent... I have faith, so I’m gonna tap in and check in with him."
The Detroit Lions are also engaged in contract negotiations with Jahmyr Gibbs, who has missed five consecutive practices while awaiting a deal. Lions head coach Dan Campbell acknowledged Robinson’s contract but emphasized that Gibbs’ situation would be addressed separately, saying, "It certainly not gonna hurt, but we’ll see... Every day that goes by, that’s another day that you feel like you miss with him."
Robinson’s Rise to the Top
Selected No. 8 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Robinson has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons. In his second season (2024), he led the NFL in scrimmage yards (2,298) and ranked fourth in rushing yards (1,478), while also scoring a 93-yard rushing touchdown—the longest of the 2024 season. Over three seasons, he has accumulated 3,910 rushing yards, 1,738 receiving yards, and 34 total touchdowns (25 rushing, 9 receiving).
Robinson’s contract follows the Falcons’ recent extensions for Drake London (wide receiver, four-year, $141 million) and Kyle Pitts (tight end, three-year, $54 million), signaling the team’s commitment to building around its core offensive players.
Taylor and Gibbs Seek Parity
Taylor, a 2020 second-round pick, has been one of the NFL’s most productive backs since entering the league. In 2021, his second season, he led the NFL in rushing yards (1,811), scrimmage yards (2,171), and rushing touchdowns (18), earning first-team All-Pro honors. Over his career, he has amassed 9,067 total scrimmage yards, second only to Derrick Henry (10,408) among active players. His current deal ranks him as the eighth-highest-paid running back in the league, but Robinson’s record-breaking contract may pressure the Colts to revisit his compensation.
Gibbs, drafted No. 15 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, has also been a dynamic force. He holds the third-most total scrimmage yards (5,049) among active players since entering the league, behind only Robinson and Henry. In 2024, he set an NFL record for most total touchdowns before age 24 (49). The Lions exercised his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2027, but his representatives are seeking a market-rate deal comparable to Robinson’s.
League-Wide Implications
Robinson’s contract is expected to influence future negotiations for running backs, particularly for players like Christian McCaffrey, James Cook, and Aaron Jones, who may now push for similar guarantees and annual salaries. The Falcons’ aggressive spending reflects a broader trend of teams prioritizing elite offensive playmakers, even as debates continue over the long-term value of high-priced running backs.
For now, the Falcons have secured their franchise running back, while Taylor, Gibbs, and others await their next moves in a rapidly evolving market.