Falcons sign Bijan Robinson to three-year extension, making him highest-paid NFL running back
The Atlanta Falcons agreed on Aug. 4, 2026 to a three-year contract extension with running back Bijan Robinson that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Robinson reposted the NFL’s Instagram post detailing the extension on Tuesday morning, writing "God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!"
The extension is worth up to $75m with incentives, with $51m guaranteed. The base value of $66.75m produces an average annual value of $22.25m, surpassing Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley’s average of $20.6m. Robinson is a two-time Pro Bowler and a fourth-year player.
NFL Network and ESPN first reported the extension. Robinson’s agent, Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports, posted on X on Tuesday morning "Anyone have a brinks truck?" while the Falcons posted a photo of a smiling Robinson. "Obviously very excited for him, excited for us," Stefanski said Tuesday.
The new deal followed a period in training camp when Robinson spent the first week, including Monday’s first day in pads, as a spectator. He attended the practices but did not participate in an apparent contract "hold-in" as he sought a new contract. "I just knew throughout this whole process that it would be a process and I felt good about where we were," Stefanski said. "I think everybody understands how we feel about Bijan the person and Bijan the player."
Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns last season. He flourished as a dual-threat back, finishing fourth in the league with 1,478 rushing yards while adding 820 receiving yards. Steven Jackson in 2006 is the only other player ever with at least 1,400 rushing yards and 800 receiving yards in the same season. Robinson has been the focus of Atlanta’s productive ground game since he was the No 8 overall pick in the 2023 draft.
The three-year extension runs through the 2030 season. Robinson joined practice on Tuesday as Stefanski and the Falcons no longer have to worry about their star running back’s status for the season.