The Atlanta Falcons have locked in their franchise running back for the long haul.
Two-time Pro Bowl selection Bijan Robinson and the Falcons reached agreement Tuesday on a three-year contract extension worth up to $75 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, according to multiple reports. Robinson will receive a record $51 million in guarantees, including $37 million at signing.
The deal, negotiated by agent Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports and the Falcons front office in recent days, averages approximately $22.25 million to $25 million per year depending on incentives and structure. It surpasses the previous high-water marks set by Saquon Barkley ($20.6 million average annual value) and Christian McCaffrey.
Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Texas, has rapidly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic and productive backs. In three seasons he has rushed for 3,910 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding 198 receptions for 1,738 yards and nine scores. His 2025 campaign was particularly impressive: 1,478 rushing yards, 820 receiving yards and 2,298 yards from scrimmage, the most in Falcons history for a single season and among the top single-season totals league-wide.
The extension comes after Robinson held in during the early days of training camp while negotiations intensified. With the agreement in place, he is expected to return to the field as the centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense under new head coach Kevin Stefanski.
The contract also reflects a broader commitment by the Falcons to their young offensive core. Atlanta has already extended wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts and guard Matthew Bergeron this offseason, signaling a clear intent to keep the nucleus of the offense intact.
At just 24 years old, Robinson still has significant prime years ahead. The structure of the deal — three years with substantial guarantees up front — gives the Falcons security at the position while rewarding a player who has already delivered elite production and dual-threat ability.
Running back contracts have long been treated with caution around the league because of the position’s physical demands and relatively short peak windows. Robinson’s deal pushes the market higher and sets a new standard for guaranteed money at the position.
For a Falcons team looking to climb in the NFC South and contend in the playoffs, securing their most explosive offensive weapon was a priority. With the extension complete, Robinson is locked in as the face of the Atlanta backfield for the foreseeable future.
