Atlanta Falcons, Bijan Robinson
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Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson.
Since signing with the Atlanta Falcons after being drafted No. 8 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bijan Robinson has become the face of the franchise.
And soon, he’ll be paid like it, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
After seeing what Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba did by resetting the wide receiver market with his four-year, $168.6 million deal, Schefter believes the running back position is up next — starting with Robinson.
Bijan Robinson Positioned to Reset Running Back Market
Schefter told Ty Schmit while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on March 24 that he’s been watching where the running back market elevates next.
“To me, the group that I was watching going into the offseason was not wide receiver, where Jaxson Smith-Njigba has already been paid and where we think Puka Nacua will also get paid. But running back,” Schefter said.
“Take a look at the running backs right now. Bijan Robinson — going to cash in. Jahmyr Gibbs — going to cash in. De’Von Achane — going to cash in. There are going to be some huge running back deals that get done at some point this offseason.”
Robinson is heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2026, set to make a base salary of $1.145 million, according to Spotrac. But if the 24-year-old has proven anything over his first three seasons, it’s that his market value is about to skyrocket.
Robinson logged a career-best 1,478 rushing yards last season but totaled 2,298 yards from scrimmage with 11 touchdowns. Schefter noted how his ability as a pass-catcher plays a major role in his value.
“When you can catch like Bijan, Jahmyr and De’Von Achane, you make yourself more valuable. But there’s a limit to that value,” Schefter said. “Even that value, which is extreme for that position, is still half of the top wide receiver. So, it is what it is… it’s kind of where the running back market’s at.”
Running backs were being devalued across the league just a few years ago, but players like Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey — and now Robinson — are helping reset that market.
Falcons Face Big Decision on Bijan Robinson’s Future
Robinson’s looming payday comes at an interesting time for the Falcons.
The organization is currently reshaping its front office while also welcoming in new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski has already spoken highly of Robinson, which isn’t surprising given his production and versatility.
However, it remains unclear how the new leadership group — including general manager Ian Cunningham and president of football Matt Ryan — will approach roster-building moving forward.
Would they be bold enough to let Robinson play out his deal and test free agency after the 2026 season? That likely wouldn’t sit well with the Atlanta fanbase.
The Falcons do have the option to exercise a 2027 club option worth $11.3 million, but that would only delay a long-term decision.
Ultimately, it will come down to how Cunningham and the new regime plan to build a contender while correcting past mistakes. It may seem unlikely, but in a full-scale reset, even a player like Robinson can’t be completely ruled out as a potential casualty.