
August 5th, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement with Bijan Robinson on a three-year contract extension that runs through the 2030 season, positioning the fourth-year player as the NFL’s highest-paid running back.
On Tuesday morning, Robinson shared the NFL's Instagram post announcing the extension, accompanying it with the message, "God this is for you! Blessings. Love this team and this city!"
The extension is valued at up to $75 million, inclusive of incentives, with $51 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The individual spoke on the condition of anonymity, as the terms had not been publicly disclosed.
Robinson’s base value of $66.75 million translates to an average of $22.25 million per year, securing his status as the league’s highest-paid running back.
By contrast, Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley commands an average of $20.6 million.
“Naturally, we’re absolutely thrilled for him, and equally delighted for ourselves,” Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski remarked on Tuesday.
The contract extension was initially disclosed by NFL Network and ESPN.
The agreement with Robinson continues the Falcons' pattern of securing their foundational offensive players with long-term commitments.
On Saturday, the Falcons announced the signing of left guard Matthew Bergeron to a four-year contract extension, having already secured new deals for wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts during the offseason.
“These are all individuals we have confidence in, all individuals who align with our identity,” Stefanski remarked.
The new agreement materializes after Robinson spent the opening week of training camp, including Monday's initial session in full pads, observing from the sidelines.
He was present for the practices yet refrained from taking part, evidently staging a contractual "hold-in."
“I was aware throughout this entire undertaking that it would be a gradual process, and I remained confident in our position,” Stefanski remarked.
“I believe everyone recognizes our sentiments regarding Bijan as an individual and as a player.”
Robinson returned to practice on Tuesday, as Stefanski and the Falcons can now set aside any lingering concerns regarding their star running back’s availability for the remainder of the season.
"It goes without saying that as a coach, your goal is to have your players fully prepared for the football season, and this allows us to get Bijan ready," Stefanski said.
"And he's eager, more than eager, to get out here.
So with that in mind, we'll gradually bring him back into the mix....
We'll have a plan over the next week to increase his workload."
A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked Robinson as the league's premier running back in a preseason survey.
Robinson topped the NFL with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and recorded 11 touchdowns in the preceding season.
Robinson has been the cornerstone of Atlanta’s productive ground game since being selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
He thrived as a dual-threat back last season, ranking fourth in the league with 1,478 rushing yards while also contributing 820 receiving yards.
Steven Jackson in 2006 remains the sole other player to have achieved at least 1,400 rushing yards and 800 receiving yards within a single season.
August 5th, 2026

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