Move over, Saquon Barkley; there’s a new highest-paid running back in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement with Bijan Robinson on a historic three-year extension with a maximum value of $75 million, according to ESPN. The deal includes $51 million guaranteed, which is the highest ever for a running back. Robinson’s average annual value on the new deal sits at $25 million, which exceeds Barkley’s $20.6 million AAV.
An extension for Robinson has been looming since the start of training camp, and the back has been holding out as this deal continued to be hammered out. With pen being put to paper on this historic contract, Robinson has ample time to get back onto the practice field to gear up for the 2026 regular season and help Atlanta rebound from an 8-9 season in 2025.
Robinson is entering his fourth season in the NFL after the Falcons selected the Texas product with the No. 8 overall pick at the 2023 NFL Draft. Upon arrival, the 24-year-old back has established himself as arguably the most dynamic back in the league.
Last season, Robinson set a franchise record, tallying 2,298 yards from scrimmage (which also led the NFL). His 5,648 career scrimmage yards are the most by a player at age 23 or younger in NFL history, and are the fourth-most scrimmage yards in the first three seasons by a player in NFL history.
