Falcons make Bijan Robinson highest-paid running back in NFL history with deal worth up to $75m

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Bijan Robinson through the 2030 season that makes the fourth-year player 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 gives Robinson an average of $22.25m that makes him the league’s top-paid running back. Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley’s average is $20.6m.

“Obviously very excited for him, excited for us,” Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said Tuesday.

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.

The new deal comes after Robinson spent the first week of training camp, 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 joined practice on Tuesday as Stefanski and the Falcons no longer have to worry about their star running back’s status for the season.

Robinson led the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns last season. He has been the focus of Atlanta’s productive ground game since he was the No 8 overall pick in the 2023 draft. The two-time Pro Bowl selection flourished as a dual-threat back last season, 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.