The Atlanta Falcons’ offseason spending spree continued Tuesday with news that the reigning NFC South champions have made Bijan Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the three-year extension, which is worth up to $75 million and includes $51 million guaranteed as well as a $37 million signing bonus. The Daily Mail has sought confirmation with Robinson’s agent and the Falcons.
Robinson’s deal is just the latest for the Falcons, who have also extended wide receiver Drake London (four years, $141.05m), tight end Kyle Pitts (three years, $54 million) and offensive guard Matthew Bergeron (four years, $96 million).
The news was welcomed in Atlanta, where first-year Falcons head coach now has several offensive fixtures in place for the foreseeable future as he officiates at quarterback battle between the newly signed Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr., who is coming off a knee injury.
And Robinson’s extension was also welcomed by fantasy football enthusiasts as they weigh their options ahead of the 2026 draft season. With Robinson signed, he can now be a full participant in training camp and should be better prepared for the upcoming campaign, regardless of who is under center.
Atlanta squeaked into the playoffs at 8-9 last season, despite ranking just 24th in points scored under fired coach Raheem Morris.
The Atlanta Falcons ’ offseason spending spree continued Monday with news that the reigning NFC South champions have made Bijan Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history
The 24-year-old University of Texas product had another splendid performance in 2025, rushing for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry
The 24-year-old University of Texas product had another splendid performance in 2025, rushing for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns on 5.2 yards per carry. What’s more, he added another 820 yards and four touchdowns on 79 receptions in the passing game.
Prior to Robinson’s new deal, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley had been the NFL’s top-paid running back with an average annual salary of around $20 million.
But both Robinson’s and Barkley’s deals could soon be surpassed by the expected contract extension of Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Like Robinson, Gibbs has been a ‘hold-in’ at Lions training camp as his representatives have worked out a long-term deal for the prized 24-year-old back.
Asked if Robinson’s deal would help his team’s negotiations with Gibbs, Lions head coach said it’s ‘certainly not going to hurt,’ according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
