Bijan Robinson Sits Out Falcons' 1st Training Camp Practice amid NFL Rumors on Contract Talks

With training camp underway and no indication a contract extension is coming, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is not participating in practice.

Robinson was on the field with his teammates Wednesday, but did not go through drills during the Falcons' first practice.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Robinson and the Falcons did have contract talks in the offseason. It's unclear how far those discussions got.

Atlanta still has Robinson under contract for two seasons after picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal in April.

The top of the running back market has changed a bit this offseason. De'Von Achane signed the largest contract by total value at the position when he agreed to a four-year, $64 million extension with the Miami Dolphins.

Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid back by average annual salary at $20.6 million, followed by Christian McCaffrey at $19 million.

Another factor to consider is Jahmyr Gibbs is another back from the 2023 draft who's eligible for an extension right now. He's also sitting out practice with the Detroit Lions while waiting for a new contract.

Given how well both Gibbs and Robinson have been through their first three seasons, it's safe to assume they will end up being the two highest-paid running backs whenever they sign new deals.

It could be a situation where one waits for the other to see how high the market goes.

Robinson is certainly worthy of being at the top of the running back hierarchy in the NFL. The 24-year-old has averaged 1,883 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns per season since entering the league.

Last season saw Robinson lead the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and make the All-Pro first team for the first time.