One of the biggest decisions the Atlanta Falcons are facing is just how much they are willing to spend to lock up Bijan Robinson. The star running back has an argument as the most impactful player at the position and continues to offer elite results that have fans focused on what exactly an extension might cost the franchise. We were given a hint at the answer this week with a report from The Detroit Times reporting on the status of another star rusher, "Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs’ extension is set to be around “$20 million per year or over."
This is a huge number, with the only current annual value at the position besting $20 million being Saquon Barkley. Christian McCaffrey is the second-highest paid at the position, averaging $19 million, with De'Von Achane at $16 million for the 2026 season.
Gibbs and Robinson are the next two backs expected to be paid, and this makes it clear that the market is going to be reset. For the Falcons, this isn't great news, with it serving as confirmation that a deal will be expected to be around $20-25 million annually, resetting the market and making Robinson the highest paid at his position.
Falcons Given Bad News as Extension Cost for Bijan Robinson Continue to Rise
Atlanta might not be happy with the growing cost, but it is the nature of a league that is always going to demand the market be reset with each star's extension. This is part of the reason why the cap continues to climb and leaves the Falcons with no choice but to pull the trigger on a potential deal, handing over a record-setting offer at the position.
Bijan is the face of the franchise and an offense unto himself, simply needing a capable quarterback to pull the Falcons back to playoff relevance. For Robinson, the question will simply be whether or not the playmaker wants to stay in Atlanta with the Falcons unquestionably getting ready to offer a potential extension.
There really isn't a reasonable argument against handing Robinson an extension with a loss of the running back, leaving Atlanta's offense in complete shambles. The sooner a deal is struck, the more money the Falcons will save in the seasons ahead.
The cost is only going to continue to rise with the understanding that if Gibbs gets a contract first. The Falcons will be under pressure to beat the number. No question, Robinson has turned up the heat on the Falcons, and the franchise has no question but to meet what the market demands.
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