Bijan Robinson’s extension talks with Falcons are heating up, and here’s why it matters

The Atlanta Falcons have been quietly locking up their young core this offseason, and the next man up might not have to wait long. After handing out big extensions to wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts, all signs point to star running back Bijan Robinson being next in line for a serious payday.

Falcons reporter Marc Raimondi wrote Wednesday that the team is actively talking with Robinson’s representatives and that a deal could come together sooner than later. Robinson still has his fourth year coming up, plus a fifth-year option the Falcons already picked up for 2027. But according to Raimondi, the sense around the organization is that they’ll get something done well before then. Maybe even this offseason.

Why Bijan Robinson is worth the money

Robinson isn’t just any running back. He’s arguably the best in the NFL right now. Last season he ran for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns on 287 carries, earning First Team All-Pro honors and serious Offensive Player of the Year buzz. That kind of production doesn’t come cheap, and the Falcons know it.

He’s also part of a generational class of backs that includes the Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs, who’s also extension-eligible this year. So there’s a little added drama here. Which star back signs first? That could set the market for the other. Gibbs is electric too, but Robinson’s workload and efficiency make him a special case.

The Falcons have time, but why wait?

Even if talks drag out, Robinson is under contract for two more seasons. So there’s no immediate panic. But the Falcons have made it clear they want to build around their young talent, and letting Robinson play on a rookie deal for too long would be risky. If he puts up another monster season in 2026, the price tag only goes up. Every week he dominates defenses, his next contract gets a little bigger.

Atlanta’s offense is built around its skill players. With London and Pitts locked up long-term, keeping Robinson in the fold completes the core. That’s a scary trio for any defense to deal with, and the Falcons are betting big on it.

For now, the conversations are ongoing. Nothing is signed yet. But the indications are strong that Robinson won’t be waiting until 2027 to get his deal. The Falcons seem ready to pay him like the star he is, and fans should expect news sooner rather than later.