Bijan Robinson becomes NFL's highest-paid running back in $75m Falcons deal

Bijan Robinson has agreed a new three-year extension with the Atlanta Falcons worth up to $75 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal, confirmed by NFL.com, ESPN and CBS Sports, ties the 23-year-old to Atlanta beyond his rookie contract and signals the Falcons building their offence around him for the long haul.

Robinson was the eighth overall pick in the 2023 draft and has quickly justified that billing, developing into one of the most dynamic dual-threat backs in the league. Atlanta's decision to make him the league's top earner at the position, surpassing the previous benchmarks set by the likes of Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley in recent years, underlines just how central he has become to their plans under Michael Penix Jr and head coach Raheem Morris.

It is a notable moment for the running back market too. For years teams have been reluctant to hand out big-money extensions to backs, wary of the position's shorter shelf life and the value teams can find later in drafts. Robinson's deal, alongside the max-value structure reported, suggests the Falcons see him as a genuine exception, a player capable of anchoring their offence as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

For Atlanta, locking down Robinson removes any looming contract uncertainty heading into a season where they will be desperate to push back into playoff contention in a stacked NFC South. The move also gives Penix a proven weapon to lean on as he continues to establish himself as the franchise quarterback, with Robinson's versatility taking pressure off the passing game.

Expect the deal to spark renewed debate about running back valuations league-wide, with agents for other top backs likely to point to Robinson's numbers when it comes to their own negotiations this offseason and beyond.