Falcons RB Bijan Robinson secures record deal

The Atlanta Falcons and running back Bijan Robinson reached an agreement on a three-year extension valued at up to $75 million, according to sources reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. This contract now makes Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history, with $51 million guaranteed. The deal, which was negotiated by Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, concluded Robinson's weeklong hold-in at training camp.

Bijan Robinson becomes the second running back in NFL history to be guaranteed over $40 million, following rookie Jeremiyah Love, who signed a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth $53,022,816 with the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson's average annual salary will now be $22.25 million, exceeding that of Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley, who earns $20.6 million per year. However, this may change as Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is also currently awaiting a contract extension.

Robinson initially began his hold-in at the start of Falcons training camp practice last Wednesday. The 24-year-old led the NFL in scrimmage yards last season with 2,298 yards and ranked fourth in rushing yards with 1,478. He recorded the longest rushing touchdown in the league last season with a 93-yard run against the Los Angeles Rams. With this new contract, Robinson will remain under contract with the Falcons through 2030, and is set to return to practice on Tuesday afternoon.

The Falcons have been proactive this offseason in securing young talent. They have also signed wide receiver Drake London to a four-year, $141.05 million extension and center Kyle Pitts Sr. to a three-year, $54 million deal. Recently, left guard Matthew Bergeron was signed to a four-year, $96 million extension. Robinson was drafted eighth overall by the Falcons in 2023. Over three seasons, he has accumulated 805 carries for 3,910 rushing yards and 198 receptions for 1,738 receiving yards, totaling 34 touchdowns. He is expected to be a key player for the Falcons under new head coach Kevin Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.