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Falcons Crack Top NFL Ranking Despite Losing $12M Free Agent

Atlanta Falcons, Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier

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Atlanta Falcons RBs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.

When talking about the Atlanta Falcons, you can’t mention them without first talking about Bijan Robinson.

After three years in the NFL, Robinson has become one of, if not the top running back in the entire league since being drafted No. 8 overall back in 2023. And it’s entirely because of him that the Falcons have been listed by Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay as having one of the top running back rooms in the NFL heading into 2026.

Falcons RB Room Ranked Among NFL’s Best Behind Bijan Robinson

Out of the eight teams Kay listed, including three honorable mentions, the Falcons came in at No. 2 — ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs and just behind the Los Angeles Rams, who took the top spot.

Robinson — now a two-time Pro Bowler — enters Year 4 just shy of having three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He came up just short as a rookie with 976 yards but followed that up with back-to-back 1,400-yard-plus campaigns.

And it hasn’t just been his production on the ground.

Robinson has also been a major factor in the passing game, setting a single-season franchise record with 2,255 scrimmage yards. His versatility has made him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the league.

Under new head coach Kevin Stefanski, Robinson’s presence alone gives Atlanta one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in football.

But as dominant as Robinson has been, the Falcons know they can’t rely on him alone.

So, who’s behind him?

Falcons Face Depth Questions After Tyler Allgeier Departure

Former fifth-round pick Tyler Allgeier recently hit free agency after four seasons and signed with the Arizona Cardinals.

And his departure could be more significant than it initially appears.

While Robinson’s production has been elite, Allgeier quietly carved out a valuable role. Even in a reduced workload last season, he rushed for 514 yards and found the end zone eight times — one more rushing touchdown than Robinson, whose total dipped from the previous year.

Now, Atlanta’s depth chart behind Robinson includes Nathan Carter and Carlos Washington Jr.

Combined, the two have just eight games of experience — most of that coming from Carter.

“With former backup Tyler Allgeier joining the Arizona Cardinals, Carter could see a vastly increased role this upcoming season,” Kay wrote. “The undrafted rookie contributed 60 yards on nine touches across seven games in 2025, but would likely garner close to 100 more touches next season if he earns the RB2 role in Atlanta.

“Washington has been with the team for three seasons but hasn’t made any contributions outside of special teams, so don’t be surprised if Atlanta opts to bring in more competition via the draft or free agency.”

Robinson’s talent speaks for itself — and Allgeier’s departure reinforces just how much Atlanta leaned on him. Allgeier had starting-caliber ability, but once Robinson arrived, he was clearly the centerpiece.

That leaves the Falcons with a decision to make.

Whether through the draft or free agency, Atlanta will likely need to add another running back to support Robinson — especially with just five draft picks to work with and a clear need to balance his workload moving forward.

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