The Atlanta Falcons have just made history while ensuring that a star player will remain on the roster. They have made Bijan Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
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According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, this deal is a three-year extension worth up to $75 million. It includes $51 million in guaranteed money.
Spotrac lists the actual contract terms at three years and $66.75 million while noting that the maximum value is the reported $75 million.
The other top-earning running backs in the NFL include Saquon Barkley of the Eagles at $20.6 million per year, Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers at $19 million per year, Devon Achane of the Dolphins at $16 million per year, and Derrick Henry of the Ravens at $15 million per year.
The eighth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Robinson landed with the Falcons after a productive college career at Texas. He had a quiet rookie season while working under head coach Arthur Smith, a man who split the carries between multiple running backs. Yet, Robinson still posted 1,463 yards from scrimmage with eight touchdowns.
Once Raheem Morris took over as head coach and Zac Robinson became the offensive coordinator, Robinson began producing in a major way.
He rushed for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns in his second season (2024). He added 431 yards and a touchdown as a receiving option. He also earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.
Last season, Robinson rushed for a career-high 1,476 yards. He scored seven rushing touchdowns, including a career-long 93-yard score. He added 820 receiving yards and four touchdowns, which took him to a league-high 2,298 yards from scrimmage.
The former Texas star earned another trip to the Pro Bowl. He also locked up First-Team All-Pro honors.
Now that Robinson has secured a historic extension, he will work under a new head coach and offensive coordinator. The Falcons fired Morris and hired two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.
The team added offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who most recently coached the offense in Cleveland. The Browns didn't have a good record at 5-12, but rookie running back Quinshon Judkins posted 998 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns.
