Atlanta Falcons Make Bijan Robinson Highest-Paid Running Back in NFL History
AI-generated image · US National Wire
A three-year extension worth up to $75 million sets a new market ceiling for the position.
The Atlanta Falcons have reached a three-year contract extension with running back Bijan Robinson that extends his tenure through the 2030 season, as first reported by The Guardian. According to reporting from ESPN and NFL Network, the deal establishes Robinson, a fourth-year player, as the highest-paid running back in the history of the NFL.
As detailed by The Guardian, the extension is valued at up to $75 million when including incentives. The agreement includes $51 million in guaranteed money and a base value of $66.75 million. This structure results in an average annual value of $22.25 million, surpassing the previous league high held by Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, whose average is $20.6 million.
Robinson's agent, Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, signaled the magnitude of the deal on X, asking, “Anyone have a brinks truck?”
The contract resolution comes after Robinson spent the opening week of training camp as a spectator, including the first day of pads on Monday. While he attended the sessions, he did not participate in what appeared to be a contract “hold-in.” Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski addressed the situation on Tuesday, stating he knew the negotiations would be a process and expressed confidence in the outcome, adding that the organization's feelings toward Robinson as both a player and a person are well-understood.
Robinson has been a central component of the Atlanta offense since being selected No. 8 overall in the 2023 draft. Last season, he recorded 11 touchdowns and led the NFL with 2,298 total yards from scrimmage. He finished fourth in the league with 1,478 rushing yards and added 820 receiving yards, making him only the second player in NFL history—after Steven Jackson in 2006—to record at least 1,400 rushing yards and 800 receiving yards in a single season.
Following the announcement, Robinson reposted the NFL’s Instagram post regarding the deal, writing, “God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!” Robinson returned to practice on Tuesday.