Bijan Robinson, Falcons Reportedly Agree to Historic $75M Contract Extension With Record Guarantee

The Atlanta Falcons are making Bijan Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday the two sides agreed to a three-year extension potentially worth up to $75 million. The pact includes $51 million guaranteed, another record for the position.

The Falcons picked up their fifth-year option on Robinson's rookie contract on Friday, but as CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones wrote, it was a "placeholder" of sorts before the two sides could work out a long-term contract.

Now that's happened as Robinson secures his long-term future in Atlanta.

Last year, Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage en route to All-Pro First Team honors. He also notched career-highs in rushing yards (1,478), yards per carry (5.1), catches (79) and receiving yards (820).

It's no surprise that the Falcons wanted Robinson around long-term given his success. However, Atlanta also wants to enjoy an era of prosperity under first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Eliminating the short-term question of Robinson's future with the team and cementing him as a core piece of his team's future goes a long way toward getting that done.

The move dropped after the Falcons previously signed tight end Kyle Pitts to a three-year, $54 million contract on June 23. It's clear the Falcons want to keep their offensive stars together in the Stefanski era.

The Falcons selected the former Texas star with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He was one of the most highly touted running back prospects in recent memory. Of note, no running back had been picked higher than 24th since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 to the New York Giants in 2018.

He's certainly been worth the pick. Robinson's production has steadily increased since his rookie year. He amassed 1,463 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in 2023 before adding 1,887 yards and 15 scores in 2024.

Robinson's done this while sharing the backfield some with Tyler Allgeier, who had 511 touches (and 16 touchdowns) in the past three years. Allgeier left in free agency for the Arizona Cardinals, but Atlanta got another solid backup in Brian Robinson Jr. who should get some work.

Bijan Robinson is the star in town, ultimately, and now the Falcons will follow his lead moving forward as they hope to finally break through to the playoffs after eight years on the outside looking in.